The Firekeeper's Son
What’s inside...
In early 1800s Korea, news from the countryside reached the king through signal fires lit on mountaintops. Sang-hee, the son of the village firekeeper, must take his father's place one night when his father is unable to light the fire. Sang-hee understands the importance of his duty but longs to see soldiers just once. The story, beautifully illustrated by Julie Downing, explores Sang-hee's struggle with this responsibility and his wish, highlighting a significant moment in his life through vibrant paintings that complement the narrative. Linda Sue Park, a Newbery Medalist known for her middle grade books, created this engaging picture book that intertwines themes of family, duty, and longing set against a historical Korean backdrop.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sang-Hee
Sang-Hee'S Father
Discussion points
What do you think Sang-hee felt when he had to keep the fire for his father? Why is it important to have responsibilities?
How did Sang-hee's decision impact his village? What does this tell us about the importance of individual actions in a community?
Why do you think the author chose to set the story in historical Korea? How does the setting influence the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision that affected others? What did you learn from that experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the historical and cultural setting of the story, which can lead to a discussion on history and different cultures.
Discuss the theme of responsibility with your child, relating it to their own life and tasks they might be responsible for.
Ask your child how they might feel in Sang-hee’s situations to foster empathy and understanding of the character’s emotions and decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Sang-hee, learns about the importance of responsibility as he faces the difficult choice of whether to light the fire, a critical task to ensure the village's safety.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of being responsible in their daily tasks, understanding that their actions can significantly impact others around them.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Sang-hee shows courage when he overcomes his personal desires to prioritize the safety of his village, demonstrating bravery in a challenging situation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of facing difficult situations with bravery, encouraging them to make tough decisions even when they are afraid.
Example Lesson: Understanding the bigger picture
Explanation: Through Sang-hee's story, children learn that individual desires sometimes need to be set aside for the greater good of the community.
Real-World Application: In real life, this lesson can help children grasp the concept of collective well-being, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Respect for tradition
Explanation: The book highlights the role of traditional practices in the community, as Sang-hee's role in lighting the fire is part of a long-standing practice.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to respect and value the traditions and cultural practices of their own communities, promoting cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Sang-hee develops empathy as he considers the potential consequences of his actions on the broader community, not just on himself.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider others' feelings and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding in their interactions with friends and family.