rachaelyhlee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
chatty_maddy22's review against another edition
3.0
Major trigger warnings in this book; this book highlights a lot of heavy themes like depression, suicide, racism, grief, and trauma. I was in tears multiple times while listening to this audiobook.
I love reading about Korea and Korean history, so that’s why I kept reading. But there were so many times during this book that I wanted to give up because it was just so sad!
The books ends with a message of hope and the power of change, but I still cannot believe this was on the book list for the middle school reading bowl this year.
I love reading about Korea and Korean history, so that’s why I kept reading. But there were so many times during this book that I wanted to give up because it was just so sad!
The books ends with a message of hope and the power of change, but I still cannot believe this was on the book list for the middle school reading bowl this year.
luna_reads_'s review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
mlangman's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jbrooks124's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Follow Junie Kim as she navigates middle school, depression, and casual everyday racism. Let me tell you that my heart strings were being pulled throughout this entire book, and there was a moment where I cried.
Junie is Korean-American but is harassed constantly by classmates, and this school year is shaping up to be par for the course; someone has vandalized the school gym with racist messages, and the hits keep coming in the bathroom and on flyers in the halls. Junie's friends are done standing by and "allowing" this to happen, but Junie isn't ready to use her voice yet. Being a middle schooler though, she isn't able to just say this to her friends, so she tries to neg them, which backfires and creates distance. Alone and crushed, Junie is deep in the mental health spiral, starts therapy, and realizes she has depression. Thankfully, her family is very supportive with the immediate therapy and medication (note: there isn't really mention of this going forward. Apparently it's helpful to Junie, but she doesn't really address it other than to say she's still taking the meds). Eventually, she makes up with her friends and slowly decides to join their cause.
Simultaneously, Junie has started interviewing her grandfather about his past, initially because of a school assignment. We are given insight into the beautiful relationship Junie has with her grandparents, especially her grandfather. With inspiration pulled from the author's mother's real-life experiences during the war, the tales told by both Junie's grandparents are crushing, beautiful, breathtaking, just... everything. I was almost annoyed by the little additions from Junie at the end of each chapter, I wanted to keep reading the recollections.
All in all, Junie comes to terms with her struggles in ways that make sense, considering her inner battles and lack of confidence. She manages to find strength and deal with her problems, finding solace in resolution, and coming to terms with the fact that resolution doesn't have to mean a perfect solution.
Junie is Korean-American but is harassed constantly by classmates, and this school year is shaping up to be par for the course; someone has vandalized the school gym with racist messages, and the hits keep coming in the bathroom and on flyers in the halls. Junie's friends are done standing by and "allowing" this to happen, but Junie isn't ready to use her voice yet. Being a middle schooler though, she isn't able to just say this to her friends, so she tries to neg them, which backfires and creates distance. Alone and crushed, Junie is deep in the mental health spiral, starts therapy, and realizes she has depression. Thankfully, her family is very supportive with the immediate therapy and medication (note: there isn't really mention of this going forward. Apparently it's helpful to Junie, but she doesn't really address it other than to say she's still taking the meds). Eventually, she makes up with her friends and slowly decides to join their cause.
Simultaneously, Junie has started interviewing her grandfather about his past, initially because of a school assignment. We are given insight into the beautiful relationship Junie has with her grandparents, especially her grandfather. With inspiration pulled from the author's mother's real-life experiences during the war, the tales told by both Junie's grandparents are crushing, beautiful, breathtaking, just... everything. I was almost annoyed by the little additions from Junie at the end of each chapter, I wanted to keep reading the recollections.
All in all, Junie comes to terms with her struggles in ways that make sense, considering her inner battles and lack of confidence. She manages to find strength and deal with her problems, finding solace in resolution, and coming to terms with the fact that resolution doesn't have to mean a perfect solution.
eme20's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing. I love the different perspectives. I love the connection between Junie’s life and Junie’s grandparents’ stories. I cried SO many times while reading this, and there are SUCH important messages throughout the book. Definitely something to share with all my students.
gemcat42's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about the Korean War, and Korean food and culture. Junie is a complex and likeable protagonist. Because it is a book for kids, the story can be a bit simplistic at times, but doesn't mean the story isn't good. I would recommend it.
i_will_papercut_a_bish's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a powerful, important, emotionally intelligent book that beautifully weaves together the trauma of war, hate crime, bullying, depression, friendship tiffs, and lack of cell phone without diminishing or minimizing any of them--in a tender way that I think most older elementary and middle schoolers will find relatable and much-needed.
Finding Junie Kim has so much wisdom to share, and is a beautiful starting point for important conversations about compassion toward yourself and others.
Finding Junie Kim has so much wisdom to share, and is a beautiful starting point for important conversations about compassion toward yourself and others.
ipushbooks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
suzannedix's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing book to end the year on. Mental health, grief, a better understanding of the Korean War, middle school friendship squabbles, bullying…this one had it all and managed to take each element and thread it into an unforgettable story.
Grades 7 and up.
Grades 7 and up.