Year of Impossible Goodbyes

Japanese occupation in Korea can be seen from the perspective of a young girl, Sookan as she describes the sad and painful journey she made with her family to survive WWII. Everyone remembers things in their own way, they have their own story to tell. I think that for students to read Sookan's story, they can understand the different perspectives that people can have about one memory.

I found the story that Sookan told to be as painful and devastating to read as "So Far from the Bamboo Grove." I think that children will be able to read this book and understand some of the more difficult topics as I have. Although they may be difficult to approach (for instance death), teaching kids how to effectively and respectfully discuss these types of topics are essential to their growth as readers and people.

Ages: 5-6th grade