Source: I won a copy
Across the Tumen is one of those stories you start reading and can't put it down until you finish it. This is a fictionalized account of one North Korean boy's escape across the Tumen River into China. Although this is a fictional account the author has made it clear that this continues on today. Most of my students here in America have no idea how wonderful their life is. They have no idea how the children of other countries suffer. Through Yeong-dae's story we watch a family torn apart by starvation. We see the depths members will go to for each other and the price it will cost them. Most importantly we see what lengths someone is will to go to, the dangers they are willing to accept when they realize their country has lied to them. If you are a teacher wanting to get across the point of propaganda and its effect on a people, then this is definitely the book to read. This book will make you sick to your stomach, make you cringe, definitely make you cry both tears of sadness and joy. But most importantly this book will make you feel lucky you live in America. It will make you wonder what you can do for others out there. After all, isn't that what a great book does? It makes you feel. I definitely recommend this book to everyone young and old.
Want to know more or see some pictures of places mentioned in the book? I recommend this website here.
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