The Year of Impossible Goodbye by Sook Nyul Choi

This was another book with the same topic of the war between Japan and Korea, but told in a different perspective. I liked this book a lot less than So Far From the Bamboo Grove I found that it started off slower and was a lot harder to get into which is something I don't look for in reading. I found the themes of family value and personal strength very prevent all through out the books and which would be great for student to explore. I really like her style of writing in creating a vivid picture and emotions. This is an excellent book to help understand the impact of the Korean War on a young woman and on traditional Korean values. This book is about a 10 year old girl named Sookan and she lives with her mother, grandfather, aunt, and little brother. They live in North Korea in 1945. Her and her mother and aunt work in a sock factory for the Japanese soliders in World War II. Suddenly they were forced out and the Russians take over. Her family has no means of income and is left with their best possible decision: to escape to the south. Sookan, her brother, and her mom leave for freedom. Along the way Sookan's mother gets arrested by Russian guards. Now Sookan and her brother must find away to escape to South Korea will she can be free with her father and two other brothers. The author has a wonderful writing style that truly makes you feel like you are part of the story, especially near the end. I think every will enjoy reading true story and will really make you think about how both sides are effected during war.

Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes

I was surprised to know that Kevin Henkes also wrote children's novels as well as picture books and was not disappointed.Olive was recently killed in a bicycle accident, and Martha never knew her. But after reading from Olive’s journal, Martha realizes they could have been friends. While on summer vacation Martha can’t stop thinking about Olive and is haunted by her in her thoughts and dreams. Although this book is no where near to the same style as Henkes' picture books it carries the same beautiful messages about life and family and friends.It's wonderful to see another side of Kevin Henkes. I really enjoyed this book I found it both thought prevoking and realitivly true.This book is beautifully written in a very conversational style that makes the reader feel like he or she is seeing the world through the eyes of a Martha. The pages are full of vivid images that will stay with you long after reading the book. As the story unfolds there are times of great joy, sadness, and confusion. After reading you truly tend to reflect on all the different themes presented in the book such as life, death, love, and family. I began to wonder about all the friendships I've missed out on and how if they would have happened what my life would be like now. I think this is a great book to read with your older elementary students.