This is a very interesting book, but I am unsure of the audience. While this is a very relevant and current topic, both the North Korean situation and refugees as a global crisis currently, the writing can come off as talking down to the reader. While I think this short book belongs on the shelves of every public school’s library, I wished it would have been written for adult as well. Give it a read and form your own opinion about the audience - no matter what it is worth it. ( )

This is an excellent book. It follows a 14 year old through his attempt at surviving on a ruthless winter after his parents disappear. We follow him through hunger, fear, shame, cold, but also hope and bravery as he tries to reach the border of Mongolia to gain asylum and freedom.
Its short chapters make the book an excellent option for 5th-6th graders who will absolutely love this story. ( )

This is an excellent introductory book for middle school students to understand what life is like for a 14 year old boy who does what he must to survive. From reading adult books about life in North Korea, this plot rings very plausible and is revealed in an unthreatening manner about the brutal realities of life there. With short chapters which foreshadow his journey, this would work well as an in class read. I received a copy for review through LibraryThings Early Reviewers program. ( )