The Girl-Son - Softcover

Neuberger, Anne E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1575050773 ISBN 13: 9781575050775

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, 1997

Synopsis

A story based on the life of Induk Pahk, a Korean educator, whose widowed mother disguised her as a boy at the age of eight in order for her to attend school, a choice forbidden to girls in the early twentieth century in that country

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-This fictionalized biography of Korean educator Induk Pahk (1886-1980) is told in a simple and straightforward manner as if by the woman herself. She was initially educated by being disguised as a boy, since girls at the time were thought to be unworthy or unable to learn to read and write. Pahk gradually worked her way through the first schools for girls in Korea. Run by missionaries, they provided the country with the beginnings of equal-education opportunities. Pahk later endured a harrowing half-year in prison (presented realistically but without sensationalism) for her beliefs and later traveled the world on behalf of the school that she helped to create. Children may be astounded at the lengths to which Pahk and her mother went to achieve the education that we take for granted. Characterization is minimal, but the writing is clear and the story is mildly suspenseful. An epilogue and directions for determining one's own birth sign according to the Chinese zodiac are included.
Susan Hepler, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. Induk Pahk was born in a Korean peasant cottage in 1896 under the powerful signs of the dragon and tiger, but unfortunately, she was female. Her father was a scholar who died when she was six, and since women could not own property, their house and farm went to a male cousin. Although Induk's mother was illiterate, she wanted a better life for her daughter so she schemed and conspired to educate her. Since Korean schools did not admit girls, Induk received her early schooling disguised as a boy. Later she attended a mission high school for girls that opened in Seoul and finally graduated from Ewha College for Women. Induk's education required enormous sacrifices, but she became an educator and a lecturer who traveled widely and advanced the cause of women in Korea. Part of the Adventures in Time series, this novel, which is based on Pahk's life, will be a good addition to multicultural and feminist collections. Sheilamae O'Hara

About this edition

• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1575050773
• ISBN 13: 9781575050775
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 131