Made in Korea
on Goodreads (2,997)
What’s inside...
A romantic comedy about two entrepreneurial Korean American teens, Valerie and Wes, who run competing Korean beauty businesses at their high school. Valerie aims to make enough money to take her halmeoni to Paris, while Wes sees his business as a way to fund his music school tuition. As they try to outsell each other and resist their growing attraction, they learn about love, family, and following their dreams. Frankly in Love meets Shark Tank in this feel-good romantic comedy about two entrepreneurial Korean American teens who butt heads—and maybe fall in love—while running competing Korean beauty businesses at their high school. There’s nothing Valerie Kwon loves more than making a good sale. Together with her cousin Charlie, they run V&C K-BEAUTY, their school’s most successful student-run enterprise. With each sale, Valerie gets closer to taking her beloved and adventurous halmeoni to her dream city, Paris. Enter the new kid in class, Wes Jung, who is determined to pursue music after graduation despite his parents' major disapproval. When his classmates clamor to buy the K-pop branded beauty products his mom gave him to 'make new friends,' he sees an opportunity—one that may be the key to help him pay for the music school tuition he knows his parents won’t cover. What he doesn't realize, though, is that he is now V&C K-BEAUTY's biggest competitor. Stakes are high as Valerie and Wes try to outsell each other, make the most money, and take the throne for the best business in school—all while trying to resist the undeniable spark that’s crackling between them. From hiring spies to all-or-nothing bets, the competition is much more than either of them bargained for. But only one Korean business can come out on top.
Age
11-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Valerie Kwon
Wes Jung
Samantha Kwon
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Valerie and Wes to start their own businesses?
How do the characters handle competition and challenges in the story?
What did Valerie and Wes learn about friendship and collaboration by the end of the book?
How do family expectations affect the choices of the characters?
What does success mean to you, and how does it compare to the characters' views in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on entrepreneurship and competition to set a comfortable tone for the discussion. Encourage your child to express their opinions and relate them to their personal experiences. Highlight the importance of friendship, teamwork, and understanding different perspectives, drawing parallels from the book’s narrative. Ask them how the story could apply to their own life, enhancing their critical thinking about the themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Explanation: The protagonist's journey in creating and managing a K-beauty business showcases her innovative spirit and sharp business acumen.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of creativity in business and be inspired to bring their unique ideas to life, whether in school projects or community activities.
Example Lesson: Competition and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters experience both rivalry and collaboration, which highlights the complex dynamics of working relationships and competitive environments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of balancing healthy competition with teamwork, which is applicable in group projects and sports.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book's rich infusion of Korean culture, through K-beauty products and other cultural elements, promotes cultural understanding and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect varied cultures, which can enhance their social interactions and global awareness.
Example Lesson: Resilience in face of challenges
Explanation: The main character's perseverance through business challenges and personal trials provides a strong model of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles, which is essential in education and personal development.