Cooper’s Lesson

By Sun Yung Shin, Kim Cogan
Out of Stock

A tender look at a biracial child’s frustration, anger, and, finally, acceptance about being “half and half.”

Description

Cooper caught his reflection in the window. Brown hair, fair skin, and some freckles. Grandmother Park always said, “Such white skin!” and Grandmother Daly always said, “What brown skin!” One cousin always teased him about being “half and half.”

Cooper has had about enough of being half and half. And he’s certainly had enough of Mr. Lee, the owner of his neighborhood grocery store, speaking to him in Korean even though Cooper can’t keep up. Why can’t things be simple? Why can’t he just be one thing or the other?

One moment in Mr. Lee’s store changes everything for Cooper. Before long he realizes that the question of who we are is never simple-whether you talk about it in English or Korean. Kim Cogan’s richly hued oil paintings perfectly complement this story of identity and intergenerational friendship, and author Sun Yung Shin brings her characters to life with tender, vivid prose.

About the Creators

Sun Yung Shin

Sun Yung Shin was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1974. She was adopted by American parents in 1975 and grew up in the Chicago area. A poet, essayist, and teacher, Sun Yung now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and their two young children.

Kim Cogan

Kim Cogan was born in Pusan, Korea, in 1977. After coming to the United States to live with a loving family who adopted him, Kim grew up in the Bay Area. An award-winning young artist, Kim has exhibited his paintings in over a dozen shows nationwide.

Awards

  • National Parenting Publications Awards

    National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)

Reviews

  • * "Both author and illustrator are Korean American, and their poignant picture book is an intimate look at a biracial child's bewilderment, denial, anger, and, finally, acceptance about being 'half and half'."

    - Booklist
  • * "Told in gentle language, this quiet story focuses on the challenges of being caught between two cultures... Using few details, Cogan skillfully captures frustration, confusion, and understanding in the characters' faces."

    - School Library Journal

Paperback

  • ISBN 9780892393619
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2015
  • Trim Size 10.5 × 8.25 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 1642
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9780892391936
  • Publication Date Jan 01, 2100
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 1642
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Family / Multigenerational
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Bilingual, Biracial / Multiracial, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Conflict resolution, Counting Money / Everyday Math, Cultural Diversity, Discrimination, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Forgiveness, Friendship, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Immigration, Integrity / Honesty, Kindness / Caring, Mentors, Overcoming Obstacles, Pride, Realistic Fiction, Respect / Citizenship, Responsibility, Self Control / Self Regulation
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 10
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 5
  • Guided Reading R
  • ATOS Book Level 3.9
  • DRA 34
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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