This harrowing middle grade historical fiction had me on the edge of my seat, and knowing that this book is a fictionalized journey based off her mother's own experience getting to South Korea adds a tremendous amount of perspective.

Fascinating and absorbing, and recommended to readers with a passing interest in urban planning or those who enjoy podcasts on “did ya know” topics. This would make a great book club pick or gift for the hard-to-buy-for person in your life.

Inventive and fast-paced, with touches of unearthliness. Really liked the ending. The journey that Ming Tsu takes is so vivid in my mind, having done the drive from California to Utah and back several times, and that made it all the more interesting to me.

I didn't really know what to expect from this book, other than it's a memoir in verse that has been on my list for a while. Raw and lovely, glad I read it.

Long time fan of Cal's and finally got around to reading this. Thoughtfully laid out and structured with some hard truths, and the thesis of this book is going to rub a lot of people the wrong way.

Hooked me from the start and there were times I got impatient, but by the end I was much more invested not only in Willa but also the social commentary.

Thank you to my friend Elena (elena.luo on IG) for passing along her ARC!

Would love to see this taught alongside Little House in the Big Woods or Little House on the Prairie. Lovely to see Omakayas' growth as the seasons change in this book, and as she encounters more complicated and heart-rending experiences.

3.5 stars... so hard to rate these books but they definitely keep one's interest.

Glad I read this during the day

3.5 stars. A bit uneven at times but the end was satisfying (even if some elements went way too fast and others far too slow). Did a combo of Kindle, audiobook, and print.

Wow, this book. Much like The Nickel Boys was my top pick for 2020 and immediately shot to the top of my favorites, this book has done that for 2021. Loved the blend of subversion and charge with pastoral, plodding, and liturgical.

A very difficult yet historically and culturally important read.

Devoured this in a day! Loved it, though I'm sure readers will complain about it being unrealistic. Who cares? Very immersive and felt like I was visiting Seoul again.

Flew through this, it was exactly what I needed. Suggested for fans of Becky Chambers' Wayfarers series.

Artistic, journalistic, interpretive, experimental – but I had a hard time connecting or even following the threads. I think that's a me problem, but I found it tough to keep up with this one.

Well, I definitely do not recall reading this in high school but it was assigned