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... Read Full Review

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... Read Full Review

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... Read Full Review

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.