Finding Junie Kim
on Goodreads (2,547)
What’s inside...
A story of family, hope, and survival, inspired by the author's mother’s real-life experiences during the Korean War. Faced with middle school racism, Junie Kim learns of her grandparents’ extraordinary strength and finds her voice. Junie Kim just wants to fit in, so she keeps her head down and tries not to draw attention to herself. However, when racist graffiti appears at her middle school, she must decide between staying silent or speaking out. Then, Junie’s history teacher assigns a project, prompting her to interview her grandparents about their experiences as children during the Korean War. Through their stories, Junie comes to admire her grandma’s fierce determination to overcome impossible odds, and her grandpa’s unwavering compassion during wartime. As racism becomes more pervasive at school, Junie taps into the strength of her ancestors and finds the courage to do what is right. This book is for fans of stories that blend historical events with contemporary social issues.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Junie Kim to share her family’s stories with her classmates?
How do you feel about the way Junie handled the challenges she faced at school and in her community?
What did you learn about the impact of racism and history from Junie’s experiences?
How can sharing personal stories create understanding and empathy among people?
If you were Junie, what would you have done differently and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child for their opinions. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts openly without fear of judgment. Validate their feelings and provide comfort or clarification where needed. Draw parallels between Junie's experiences and their own life to make the conversation more relatable. Finally, emphasize the importance of empathy, resilience, and understanding historical contexts in shaping a compassionate society.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of understanding history
Explanation: Junie Kim learns about her grandparents' experiences during the Korean War, which helps her understand her own identity and heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate their own family history and cultural background, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity with resilience
Explanation: Junie battles racist bullying at school but learns to cope and stand strong through the support of her family and friends.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to remain resilient and seek help in facing personal challenges and bullying, promoting mental well-being.
Example Lesson: The power of empathy and compassion
Explanation: As Junie interacts with diverse classmates and listens to her grandparents' poignant stories, she develops deep empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be empathetic towards others' feelings and experiences, enhancing social interactions and understanding.
Example Lesson: The value of speaking out against injustice
Explanation: Junie learns to use her voice to make a difference, whether in confronting school bullies or discussing social issues.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to advocate for themselves and others, understanding the impact of their voices in promoting fairness and equity.