Good-Bye, 382 Shin Dang Dong

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Summary: a story of changes, moves, lovely things, and acclimation
Review: Jangmi (which means Rose in Korean) is 8 years old, and her family is moving from Korea to Brighton Massachusetts in the United States. Behind her, she must leave her room and its furnishings, her willow tree, her friends, her extended family, and her home at 382 Shin Dang Dong. Tears run down her face as raindrops streak down the face of her old home. She must replace her Korean melons and raindrops for American honeydews and fog, her willow tree for a backyard maple one, her going away Korean dinner for a welcoming dinner of iced cakes and casseroles. Can a house without rice paper be made into a home? She is wise enough to retain her Korean name, and make a friend in this new place. I guess it will all work out okay.

Rating:
Summary: Good-bye Korea, Hello America
Review: The Park sisters' story begins in Korea as Jangmi and her family pack-up and say good-bye to relatives and friends. Jangmi feels a sense of loss over leaving her culture, language, and homeland behind. The story ends optimistically as Jangmi and her family are warmly welcomed into American culture with an impromptu party of neighbors bringing food and friendship to their new home in the US. Choi's muted and detailed illustrations are superb. Karen Woodworth-Roman, editor East Asian Children's Books