So Far From the Bamboo Grove

Though Japanese, eleven-year-old Yoko has lived with her family in northern Korea near the border with China all her life. But when the Second World War comes to an end, Japanese on the Korean peninsula are suddenly in terrible danger. The Korean people want control of their homeland and they want to punish the Japanese, who have occupied their nation for many years. Yoko, her mother and sister are forced to flee from their beautiful house with its peaceful bamboo grove. Their journey is terrifying — and remarkable. It’s a true story of courage and survival.

• Tapestry of Grace families: Chronologically this book spans the end of Unit 2 and the beginning of Unit 3, which you may need to explain to your children as you read this aloud to them. Use for 2 weeks.