The Firekeeper's Son by Linda Sue Park (Illustrated by Julie Downing)

The Firekeeper's Son was written by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Julie Downing. Sang-hee lives in an ordinary village during a time of peace on the Korean shore. His father is the firekeeper, responsible for lighting the mountain fire every night to let the king know that all was well. One night his father is late to lighting the fire and Sang-hee has to make a decision: help light the fire or leave it unlit and see the soldiers of his dreams.

   Linda Sue Park has created a great story that not only teaches about Korean culture, but also explores what it feels like for someone to want one thing but know they have to do something else. 

   The Firekeeper's Son is a work of historical fiction set in 1800's Korea. This cultural book tells the story behind one of the many signal fire locations in the mountains of Korea. 

   The paintings Julie Downing used to create the illustrations for The Firekeeper's Son are absolutely beautiful. They are full of expression and magic. 

For Teachers: 

   The Firekeeper's Son is ideal for kindergarten through second grade. The book is a great resource for teaching students about responsibility and about Korea. Some activities could include: 

• Geography: Today, Korea is two countries: North Korea and South Korea. Have students locate North and South Korea on a map. 
• Geography 2: Korea is a peninsula. Explain what a peninsula is and have students locate other peninsulas on a map (ie. Italy, Florida)
• Flag: Have younger students color in the flags of North and South Korea.
• Responsibility: What is responsibility? Ask students to share some of their responsibilities. 
• Discussion questions: Why is the signal fire so important? How do we communicate today? What would have happened if Sang-Hee had not lit the fire? 

My Thoughts: 

   The Firekeeper's Son was an interesting book. I was almost too distracted by the beautiful paintings that I didn't read the book - but I did. I like how Sang-Hee is torn about doing what he knows is right and want he wants to do. In the end he is rewarded by his right decision. This book is a little old to read to my son right now, but I can see it being one that we will read in a year or two. 

Additional Resources: 

Similar Books: 

• Count Your Way Through Korea by James Haskins (teaches how to count from one to ten in Korean along with various aspects of the culture)
• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (about a Korean child who moves to America)

Reference: 

Park, L. S. (2004). The Firekeeper's Son. New York, NY: Clarion Books.