We learn their thoughts and reaction based on the comments they make to one another. Most of the story is told through dialogue between the characters. By the end of the book, the reader is more educated on a culture that may have been unfamiliar to them. She mentions kimchi and seaweed, explaining how these are used. Choi also explains the Korean-style food Unhei’s family eats. Although we may be unfamiliar with the term “name master,” we understand it is Korean tradition to pick meaningful names. Unhei’s mother explains the beauty of her name when she says, “Your grandma and I went to a name master for it.” (Choi, 2001). The more we learn about Unhei, the more we are drawn into the story. This is important in understanding how different she feels from the people around her. When on the bus, Unhei spells out her name phonetically, explaining the pronunciation to the students and the reader. We are made aware the Korean language does not use the same letters as the English language. In the beginning, Unhei’s grandmother gives her a stamp with Korean characters. Choi selects her vocabulary with a specific purpose in mind (Tunnel et al., 2016). This book exposes young readers to the Korean culture in a subtle, educational way. By showing Unhei’s journey, Choi wants her readers to consider the view point of the people around us, thinking critically about how our actions impact others. After making quality friends, Unhei realizes people can pronounce her name with just a little practice. This is relatable for many readers who find comfort in an object or memory from their family history. Unhei finds comfort in her name stamp because it reminds her of where she came from. Unhei’s grandmother is proud of her Korean heritage and inspires Unhei to find the same pride. Her grandmother, however, has the most prominent voice despite not being present for most of the book. The young girl’s inner dialogue is shadowed by these feelings, silencing her voice in the story. Not only new to school but also to the country, Unhei experiences feeling of nervousness, doubt, and insecurity. Choi gives the reader an opportunity to think critically about the traits that make us unique and encourages us to see situations from multiple perspectives.
0 kommentar(er)
