Youn Hee & Me [Paperback]

Carole S. Adler (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Caitlin's enthusiasm for adopting her adopted Korean brother Simon's older sister, Youn Hee, is tested by the other girl's feisty spirit and her desire to return to Korea with her brother. By the author of Riding Whiskey.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Eleven-year-old Caitlin, her adopted Korean brother Simon and their mother are a tightly knit family, all the closer in light of Caitlin's divorced dad's absenteeism. So when they discover that Simon has a sister Caitlin's age in Korea, the decision to adopt her is made jointly, with much of the responsibility placed on Caitlin. "You're the one who'll have to integrate her into our lives and keep her happy. It may become a burden," warns Caitlin's mother, setting up a disturbing theme that pervades the novel. Caitlin's happy anticipation of a new sibling quickly sours: Youn Hee's strict upbringing clashes with Caitlin's more rambunctious and impulsive style, and both girls vie for Simon's attention and affection. Unfortunately, the characters are cast in rigid, not entirely likable roles, and there are troubling inconsistencies. When Youn Hee slaps Simon after he misbehaves in a store, she is quietly corrected, but she is applauded later for "beating up" a classmate who hits Simon. These developments blur more serious issues, namely, the prejudice and disorientation that Youn Hee experiences. The strange focus, along with the combination of so many ineffectual adult figures, results in a disappointing novel from the author of the more successful Daddy's Climbing Tree and The Lump in the Middle. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?Caitlin, 11, lives with her mother and Simon, her 5-year-old adopted brother from Korea. When the family learns that Simon has an 11-year-old sister living in an orphanage in Korea, Caitlin has no doubt that they should adopt her immediately. She looks forward to having a sister her own age and assumes that Youn Hee will adapt easily to a new culture. Caitlin is unprepared for the tiny, dainty girl who speaks little English, is obviously homesick, and who doesn't seem to like her. Youn Hee takes charge of Simon and even suggests that she plans to take him back to Korea. Even though she eventually decides to stay in the U.S. and be part of Caitlin's family, she still does not want to become American ("maybe a little bit American, but not much"). The characters are convincingly portrayed, and incidents of racism are sad but realistic. Information about Korean culture is believable, but doesn't overwhelm the plot. The first-person narrative moves along at a brisk pace and has an upbeat ending. A good read.?Marilyn Long Graham, Lee County Library System, Fort Myers, FL
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books (J) (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152003762
• ISBN-13: 978-0152003760
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,094,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Completely unrealistic and racially slanted, January 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Youn Hee & Me (Hardcover)

I applaud C.S. Adler's attempt to explore the phenomenon of American-Korean international adoption, but this work of fiction is disturbingly false. The mother in the story essentially gives her daughter the decision whether or not to adopt Youn Hee, and then the mother praises the daughter's "generosity." Even more disturbing is the lack of a homestudy or social worker to ensure Youn Hee's well-being. The day after Youn Hee arrives, her adoptive mother goes to work, leaving Youn Hee's adoptive sister to look after her. What ethical adoption agency could allow this irresponsible, selfish neglect of a newly adopted child? Also, Youn Hee's mastery of English progresses far too rapidly to be realistic. Where is a translator, someone who can help her adjust to a new language and culture? I was shocked at this inaccurate portrait of a terribly handled adoption. Although the cultural identity issues are addressed, Adler lacks a basic grasp of the international adoption process or an authentic understanding of the adoption experience. The American girl in this book is an understandable character, but she is given far too much responsibility and maturity for such a young child. Please do NOT read this book if you are looking for insight in the adoption experience. However, this book serves as an effective testament to just how much work needs to be done in understanding transracial adoption.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Youn Hee & Me, December 5, 1999

By 

Hong Suk Song (united states) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Youn Hee & Me (Hardcover)

I think this book is pretty good for children. It is about two children adoped from Korea and they had a problem of understanding each other and felt the love of their family. Moreover,it explained different cultures which are American and Korean. Next,they loved their younger brother, but their teaching methods are different from each other and they had a gap. They understand each other and feel like siblings.