Seesaw Girl

This book is more than just a story - it interweaves the backdrop of 17th century Korea into the story of a girl trying to grow up. I loved reading about the interesting details of the ancient society as well as the fiesty girl - Jade Blossom - trying to understand the world around her.

A Book Worth Reading! Jade Blossom is a twelve-year old Korean girl living in the seventeenth century. She is from a wealthy family and lives within the inner court walls of the Palace. Females were not allowed to leave the Palace until they got married. Once married, they were not able to leave the walls of their husbands inner court. Jade does not like this and tries to escape inside a basket and visits the market area. When she returns, she is punished. To feel free, Jade builds a seesaw and jumps on it to see the mountains and the outside world. I liked the book because Jade was also twelve like me, and I can imagine how she felt, being so locked in. Also, It was interesting to see what it was like for young girls in the seventeenth century, how strict the rules of life were. I really liked this boodk and would recommend it. Readers from 10 to 13 would enjoy it. So head to the library and pick it up!

This is a great book on many different levels. It painted a very clear picture of this era of Korea without reading like a history text or guidebook. Young children could easily follow it. It also used the characters in an organic manner speaking clear language and in simple situations to show the social dilemnas and contradictions Korean women- and many other women- had to live with.The book is bittersweet because you are left with the impression that while the main character's abilities and awareness were growing, her possibilities would never again be as great. She was truly maturing in the sense that she was aware of how small her universe had to be.

An exquisitely written book. Jade Blossom is feisty enough for modern readers while still remaining true to her own time and culture. Linda Sue Park does a wonderful job of integrating little bits of 17th century Korea into the story unobtrusively, often using it to show Jade Blossom's personality. For example, there is a very brief section where the women of the household are doing the laundry, taking out seams and hems to be able to more thoroughly clean the cloth and then beating the clothes with round sticks to get out the wrinkles. Jade Blossom observes: "Wearing clean clothes daily was a luxury only the wealthy could afford. Jade's mother and aunts saw to it that the members of the Han family were always clothed in a manner worthy of their place in society. There were times like today, as she bent for hours over the sticks, when Jade thought a lower place in society and a little less laundry would not be such a bad thing."Jade and her family are likeable and interesting characters. And the beautiful illustrations by Jean and Mou-Sien Tseng add to the enjoyment of the book.

Jade is a very likeable character. The book starts with her and Willow playing a prank on her brother. Through Jade's perceptions we see her narrow world, and cheer as she breaks free, even for a little while, to the outer market. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.