Finding Junie Kim
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
Historical FictionAmerica • Contemporary
•
Hate & Anger•
Memory•
World History•
Mental Illness2019
HarperCollins
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
In Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh, Junie Kim, a second-generation Korean American middle school student near Washington, DC, learns the value of a positive attitude and self-advocacy in the face of racism. By listening to her Korean grandparents' stories about surviving the Korean War, Junie finds her voice and acceptance while learning about the dangers of silence in the face of evil. The source material features depictions of racism and bigoted language, racist bullying, microaggressions, racial slurs, war and related trauma, emotional distress, and suicidal ideation with themes of loss and separation.
Contemplative
Emotional
Inspiring
Reviews & Readership
2,967 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh is praised for its powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and intergenerational trauma. Reviewers appreciate its rich historical context and heartfelt storytelling. While some find the pacing uneven, the emotional depth and engaging characters are widely commended, making it a compelling read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read Finding Junie Kim?
Readers who would enjoy Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh are typically middle-grade students interested in themes of identity, resilience, and history. They would also appreciate books like Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai and Front Desk by Kelly Yang, which similarly explore cultural heritage and overcoming adversity.
2,967 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A kind and wise mentor to Junie, who shares his experiences and Korean heritage with her, bridging the past and present. His story and guidance help Junie understand her cultural roots and deal with contemporary challenges.
Junie's nurturing grandmother who, through her caregiving and personal history, serves as a parallel support for Junie in dealing with family responsibilities and emotional challenges.
A middle school student who bullies Junie through racial slurs and isolation, representing the impact of racism and hatred in her life and contributing to her struggles with mental health.
368
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
Historical FictionAmerica • Contemporary
•
Hate & Anger•
Memory•
World History•
Mental Illness2019
HarperCollins
Middle grade
8-12 years
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