When My Name Was Keoko
Linda Sue Park · 2002
About this book
Two siblings endure the Japanese occupation of Korea, when Koreans were forced to take Japanese names. This accessible novel conveys the cultural erasure and quiet resistance that shaped modern Korean national identity.
Why read this for language learning
This historical novel, though by a Korean-American author, vividly portrays the Japanese occupation of Korea through the eyes of children. Its clear and engaging Korean translation (if reading the Korean version) is suitable for intermediate learners, offering vocabulary related to historical events, family life, and cultural suppression. It provides crucial cultural and historical insights into a painful period, helping learners understand Korean identity and resilience. The youthful perspective makes complex history approachable.
Vocabulary you will encounter
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