A Part of the Ribbon [Paperback]

Ruth S Hunter (Author), Debra M Fritsch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

A fascinating tale that takes you on an exciting journey through Korean history. In each chapter you will learn about the history, culture, language, customs and martial arts of Korea at a different period in time. An adventure story written for readers ages 9 and over, this book should be required reading for every taekwondo student regardless of age. An excellent reference for instructors.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6. A class in taekwondo ends with 13-year-old Jeffrey and his 6-year-old sister embarking with their instructor, or Sabumnim, on a time-travel adventure. For children interested in the martial arts, this could be an exciting proposition. However, A Part of the Ribbon does not live up to the promise. With no preparation for the time travel other than a few questions, a swirling mist, and Sabumnim's cryptic, "Uh one, and uh two, and uh three," the children step on a blue ribbon that ripples by and find themselves in the mountains of Korea about 2000 years ago. They travel through various periods of the country's history, through stages of invasion and in-fighting, finding themselves in the midst of many conflicts that are never fully explained. When the going gets rough, the ribbon always appears to rescue them. Characterization is minimal and the dialogue is trite and riddled with cliches. The plot is only a thinly disguised vehicle for showing the development of taekwondo moves through a historical perspective, but even this is foiled by poor pacing and unclear descriptions of the various periods and their development. Most readers interested in this topic are looking for solid nonfiction or fiction titles that show children dealing with the moves in real life, such as Pat Mauser's Bundle of Sticks (Aladdin, 1987) or Brian Pinkney's JoJo's Flying Side Kick (S & S, 1995).?Connie C. Rockman, formerly at Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A Part Of The Ribbon is an action adventure story for ages 9 and up that takes the reader on an exciting journey through Korean history, from its fabled birth over three thousand years ago to modern times as told through the eyes of six year old Charlotte and her thirteen year old brother Jeffrey. A Part Of The Ribbon provides a first hand look at the evolution of Korean culture, language and customs. A Part Of The Ribbon is a meticulously researched and entertainingly told time-travel adventure nicely illustrated with historically accurate black and white line drawings. Key words in Korean are italicized in the text and defined in the glossary at the back of the book. An extensive bibliography is provided for reference and further reading. A Part Of The Ribbon is a unique, lively and engaging approach to sharing history through the means of fiction, and would be a highly appropriate addition to any multicultural studies reading list or school library collection. -- Midwest Book Review

A history book cleverly disguised as a magical action adventure story. -- Green Bay News Chronicle, March 1997

A neat book about two young taekwondo students who time-travel through Korea's past in search of answers to their martial arts questions. -- Black Belt for Kids, April 1997

An excellent start for children and parents intersted in learning a little more about Korean history and culture. -- Korean Quarterly, Winter 2001

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Turtle Press (CT) (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880336111
• ISBN-13: 978-1880336113
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,254,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #85 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Asia > General

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.