When My Name Was Keoko: A Moving Historical Fiction Novel about a Korean Family's Courage During World War II for Kids (Ages 10-12)

This powerful and riveting tale of one close-knit, proud Korean family movingly addresses life-and-death issues of courage and collaboration, injustice, and death-defying determination in the face of totalitarian oppression. (Kirkus starred review)

Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul, live in Korea with their parents. Because Korea is under Japanese occupation, the children study Japanese and speak it at school. Their own language, their flag, the folktales Uncle tells them—even their names—are all part of the Korean culture that is now forbidden.

When World War II comes to Korea, Sun-hee is surprised that the Japanese expect their Korean subjects to fight on their side. But the greatest shock of all comes when Tae-yul enlists in the Japanese army in an attempt to protect Uncle, who is suspected of aiding the Korean resistance. Sun-hee stays behind, entrusted with the life-and-death secrets of a family at war.

This moving historical novel is from Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park, whose beloved middle grade books include A Single Shard and A Long Walk to Water.

Told from the alternating perspectives of brother and sister, their story is one of impossible choices.

Brother and Sister Story: Experience the war through the eyes of both Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul, as their close bond is tested by secrets and impossible loyalties. Coming of Age in Wartime: From learning to hide their Korean language to being forced to take new Japanese names, Sun-hee and Tae-yul must navigate the loss of their identities and find courage they never knew they had. The Japanese Occupation of Korea: A meticulously researched portrayal of life under oppressive rule, where flying the Korean flag is a crime and a patriotic uncle’s work with the resistance puts the entire family in danger. A Heartbreaking Sacrifice: When his uncle’s life is threatened, Tae-yul makes an unthinkable choice: enlisting in the enemy’s army, a decision that will change their family forever.