SARANG SAVES THE SCHOOL

A young girl finds a creative way to save her school—and ensure everyone’s right to an education.

Sarang lives in a small South Korean fishing village. Like most families, her parents are considering a move to the city because there aren’t enough students to keep the school open. Sarang tears up at the idea of leaving her beloved Halmeoni (Grandmother). But wait! Could Halmeoni be the extra student needed to keep the school open? Halmeoni grew up when girls’ education wasn’t prioritized, and she never learned to read or write—something she regrets to this day. Sarang hatches a plan and shares it with others—except the village grandmothers. When the big day arrives, Sarang’s teacher welcomes Halmeoni and the other grandmothers to the class. Though Oh’s digital illustrations make effective use of light and shadow, neither the somewhat bland visuals nor the rather subdued prose are quite as emotionally resonant as the subject matter. The author’s note contains more details about the ongoing battle to keep rural schools open as families relocate to cities and about many grandmothers’ courageous reclamation of their right to an education; this simple tale is just the tip of the iceberg. Still, the narrative is marked by a few heartwarming moments; Sarang and Halmeoni’s intergenerational bond and their intertwined educational journey will spur many readers to learn more about this social movement.

A sweet ode to educational access, inspired by true events.