The Other Side of Tomorrow

Gr 5 Up–Yunho and Myunghee live very different lives in North Korea in 2013. While 10-year-old Yunho spends his days on the brink of starvation, scavenging for scrap iron in the heat, 11-year-old Myunghee goes to sleep with a full belly and K-pop DVDs hidden beneath her bed. Soldiers lurking everywhere around them provide a common link between the two children, as the oppression of North Korean citizens is evident via both characters. Myunghee saves Yunho’s life at a public execution, and when they find each other again in China, Yunho and his omma take Myunghee with them as they travel the Asian Underground Railroad with a group of North Korean refugees. Safe houses, prison stays, enduring interrogations, and escaping the work camp pay off for the team that sticks together to fight for freedom. This must-read graphic novel will open readers’ eyes to the reality of oppression in North Korea in the 21st century. Cho’s vibrant, elegant writing style beautifully captures the pain, fear, courage, and resilience of the characters featured in this text. Lee’s illustrations greatly enhance the text’s mood and capture both the courageous adventure of a lifetime and the spirit of a community willing to risk their lives to give those seeking freedom a fighting chance.