TALL BOY'S JOURNEY

by Joanna Halpert Kraus ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 23, 1992

By the adoptive mother of a Korean boy (now adult), a realistic account of experiences similar to her son's. Kim Moo Yong is already learning to read when hi, grandmother his last surviving relative, Uncle Soo Ja, a soldier, is unable to care for the boy himself and reluctantly decides to send him to America: ""...when you are older, you can come back."" Kraus brings a poignant authenticity to the boy's arrival--there's not only the loneliness of not knowing the language or how to use a fork, but also telling details like being mystified by a teddy bear. His new parents' Korean friend, Mr. Cho, helps them all wake the transition, bringing Korean food to share, explaining customs, gently suggesting that ""A boy who has traveled...over different seas, may have more than one home in his heart,"" and--most important--pointing out that ""You need some children to play with."" Ritz's sensitive watercolors, on attractively textured paper, reflect the unusually perceptive and detailed portrayal of the first days of a transcultural adoption.

Pub Date: Nov. 23, 1992

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1992

Categories: CHILDREN'S