Book

My Name Is Yoon

by Helen Recorvits

📖 Overview

My Name Is Yoon follows a young Korean girl's experience after immigrating to America with her family. Yoon must adapt to writing her name in English letters instead of the Korean characters she knows and loves. At school, Yoon encounters challenges as she navigates a new language, new classmates, and unfamiliar customs. She experiments with different English words as alternatives to writing her own name. The story examines themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the process of finding one's place in a new environment. Through Yoon's perspective, readers gain insight into the immigrant experience and the journey toward self-acceptance.

👀 Reviews

Readers connect with the emotional journey of a Korean immigrant child adjusting to American school life. Parents and teachers report the book resonates with children experiencing similar transitions. Readers appreciate: - The authentic portrayal of cultural identity struggles - Simple yet expressive illustrations - Use of both English and Korean text - The relatable school setting - Messages about acceptance and belonging Common criticisms: - Some find the story too brief - A few readers note the resolution feels rushed - Questions about authenticity from Korean American readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect for helping students understand what it's like to be new to a country" -Elementary teacher on Amazon "The artwork captures Yoon's emotions beautifully" -Goodreads reviewer "Would have liked more depth about Korean culture" -Parent reviewer on Goodreads

📚 Similar books

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi A Korean girl wrestles with keeping her given name or choosing an American one after moving to the United States.

I'm New Here by Anne Sibley O'Brien Three immigrant children navigate new experiences and language barriers at their American school.

Hannah is My Name by Belle Yang A young girl from Taiwan adjusts to life in San Francisco while her family awaits their green cards.

One Green Apple by Eve Bunting A Muslim immigrant girl finds connection with her classmates during a school field trip to an apple orchard.

The Color of Home by Mary Hoffman A Somali refugee boy uses art to process his memories and communicate with his new classmates in America.

🤔 Interesting facts

🌟 Author Helen Recorvits taught elementary school for 28 years before becoming a children's book writer, bringing authentic classroom experience to her storytelling. 📝 The Korean characters shown in the book are actual Korean Hangul script, and "Yoon" in Korean means "shining wisdom." 🎨 The book's illustrator, Gabi Swiatkowska, won the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award for her work on My Name Is Yoon. 🌍 The story reflects the real experiences of many Korean immigrant children in American schools, particularly their struggle with adapting to writing their names in English letters. 🏆 My Name Is Yoon has received multiple honors, including being named an Irma Simonton Black and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature Honor Book.