The Other Side of Tomorrow, Graphic Novel

 

Stars: 5 for beautiful illustrations and a story that is not familiar to American YA and middle grade readers (yet). The last star for a 5 is in the ability to use this in your English or social studies classroom as a learning resource. 

My Thoughts:

The marketers say this book is similar to Illegal  and When Stars are Scattered which are both about harrowing immigration stories. Besides the topic of migration, these are all graphic novels told from the point of view of young people who are searching for families and/or searching for better lives. In addition, the three of these are atypical in that they are not coming from Central or South America.

In this case, the story is told by two narrators, Yunho, whose mother escaped to China and Myunghee. The two are seen separately at first as they care for an elder, but they soon start traveling together to escape from North Korea. 

Yunho does eventually find his mother, and the three of them stick together, but the ups and downs in this graphic novel are just stressful. Just when things seem to be looking up, and even when they are in other countries, horrible things happen. 

Like the other books, the historical (maybe contemporary) non fiction in this will help students get interested in researching more. The other aspect of this particular graphic novel is the striking artwork. Artwork is its own form of text. If teachers want to learn more about that, check my post on the picture book Where Butterflies Fill the Sky. There is a link to learn more about enhancing literary engagement though pictures and graphics using the peritextual literacy framework.

Finally, the graphics are so stunning because they are by Deb J.J. Lee. If you have not read Lee's graphic memoir, In Limbo, well you must. Their tone comes through in their use of light and dark shades, white and black spaces. All of that skill is brought to this graphic novel too which is why it is so stunning. I did not even realize that this is a graphic novel in verse because the pictures tell the story first and then I read the words.

From the Publisher:

Perfect for fans of Illegal and When Stars Are Scattered, this poignant and moving graphic novel in verse captures the dangers and hope that come with fleeing North Korea and reaching for a brighter future through the lives of Yunho and Myunghee.

From never knowing where they’ll find their next meal to avoiding soldiers lurking at every corner, many North Koreans have learned that sticking around can be just as deadly as attempting to flee . . . almost. 

Both shy, resourceful Yunho and fierce, vibrant Myunghee know this. So when they each resolve to run away from the bleak futures they face, it’s with the knowledge that they could be facing a fate worse than death.

While Yunho hopes to reunite with his omma, who snuck across the border years ago, Myunghee is reaching for dreams that are bigger than anything the regime would allow her to have. The two are strangers to each other until a chance encounter unwittingly intertwines their fates and Myunghee saves Yunho’s life.

Kept together by their dreams for a brighter future, they face a road plagued by poisonous jungle snakes, corrupt soldiers, and the daily fear of discovery and imprisonment. But with every step toward freedom, there is also hope. Will it be enough for both of them to make it to safety without losing each other along the way?

Publication Information:

Author: Tina Cho

Illustrator: Deb JJ Lee

Publisher: HarperAlley (November 12, 2024)

Paperback: 224 pages

Grades: 3-7

On the Block: Stories of Home

 

My Thoughts:

Written by various YA and middle level writers, these short stories, tied together with the voices and foods and smells of mostly immigrant families will pull readers in, one story at a time. As readers, each story starts with the apartment number and then moves on to another floor, another apartment number, another family, another story. However, at the end, and especially at the potluck, it was so nice to see the families coming together. This was just a joyful book. It is a perfect summer read. It will also work as a chapter a day book for middle level readers. 

The appeal for middle level male and female readers is that the kids "on the block" sound like them. They have similar issues, and similar interests. It is a feel good book on diverse families, diverse cultures and using kindness as the answer to racism and hatred.  In a world full of misunderstanding and fear toward people that are "different," this book shows us compassion and appreciation for the power of difference in making this country a better place. 

This is a 5-star, buy this and use it in your classroom kind of book for upper elementary and middle school readers. 

From the Publisher:

2 Families. 12 Cultures. 1 Building.

Welcome to the Entrada, home to these everyday Americans, including

• the new kid on the block, who is both homesick and curious
• a Popsicle-bridge builder, a ghost hunter, and a lion dancer
• their families, friends, and neighbors from all around the world!

Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this anthology features award-winning authors Tracey Baptiste, David Bowles, Adrianna Cuevas, Sayantani DasGupta, Debbi Michiko Florence, Adam Gidwitz, Erin Entrada Kelly, Minh Lê, Ellen Oh, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Andrea Wang, and Jasmine Warga. These inspiring stories celebrate family, friendship, culture, and American immigrant life today.

Publication Information:

Editor: Ellen Oh

Authors: various (see above)

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (Oct 22, 2024)

Hardcover: 208 pages

ISBN 13: 978-0593648445

Grade level: 3-7

Magic Box

This is just a well drawn, mystery/fantasy/coming of age story about a sad little girl, Nola, who recently lost her mother. For her 8th birthday, her father gives her a music box that belonged to her mother when she was a young girl.

Nola is transported to the world of Pandorient (within the music box) and the people there seem to be familiar with Nola's mother. Her new friend Andrea needs Nola to help save Andrea's mother and figure out what is making her sick. Part mystery, part adventure, Nola must rely on the tips she picked up from her mom in order to help these friends. 

For elementary and tween readers, the fast paced story, attractive illustrations and a precocious main character will pull readers in.

An advanced copy provided by Net Galley and the publisher for an honest review.