TWO-LIST THANKSGIVING

A biracial child celebrates a bicultural Thanksgiving with both sides of the family.

The young unnamed narrator, who has a Korean mother and a white-presenting father, is helping “Mom make two lists—one for the Korean market, and one for the local market.” The hand-lettered lists are displayed side by side, surrounded by an assortment of simply textured cartoon art depicted in softly blended pastel colors. Whan’s gently paced narrative follows the pair as they visit the neighborhood market first before going to the Korean supermarket. The child seamlessly explores how the same ingredient can play different roles in each culture: “Carrots are soft in stuffing and crunchy in japchae!” As both sides of the family arrive, more commonalities between cultures are skillfully revealed: The youngster’s two grandmothers sip tea together, and the child’s father and uncle cheer for opposing football teams on TV. Over a delectable feast, both sides amusingly try different dishes: “Grandpa gulps water after a bite of spicy kimchi.” The family passes around a Thanksgiving candle as they share special memories. The tale comes to a satisfying conclusion as the protagonist expresses feelings of gratitude: “I’m thankful for all of you. My gajok. My family.”

A most welcome Thanksgiving story in which families blend cultures and traditions.