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Archer's Quest
In Dorchester, New York, Kevin is doing his homework when suddenly an arrow comes out of nowhere and pins his baseball cap to the wall. The man who shot the arrow claims he fell off a tiger . . . and wound up in Kevin’s room. It’s not long before Kevin realizes that the man, who calls himself Chu-mong, or Great Archer, is no ordinary burglar, but a traveler from far away in both space and time.
A visit to the local museum confirms that there was a king named Chu-mong in ancient Korea who was legendary for many accomplishments, including exceptional skill with bow and arrow. Kevin knows little about his own Korean heritage, but he understands that unless Archer returns to his people and his throne, history will be changed forever. And he’s determined to help Archer go back, no matter what it takes.
Award-winning novelist Linda Sue Park has created a funny and suspenseful adventure, incorporating intriguing bits of Korean history and lore, that will captivate even reluctant readers and will add to her audience of devoted fans. Author’s note.
A visit to the local museum confirms that there was a king named Chu-mong in ancient Korea who was legendary for many accomplishments, including exceptional skill with bow and arrow. Kevin knows little about his own Korean heritage, but he understands that unless Archer returns to his people and his throne, history will be changed forever. And he’s determined to help Archer go back, no matter what it takes.
Award-winning novelist Linda Sue Park has created a funny and suspenseful adventure, incorporating intriguing bits of Korean history and lore, that will captivate even reluctant readers and will add to her audience of devoted fans. Author’s note.
167 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2006
About the author
Linda Sue Park
73 books1,235 followersLinda Sue Park is a Korean American author of children's fiction. Park published her first novel, Seesaw Girl, in 1999. To date, she has written six children’s novels and five picture books for younger readers. Park’s work achieved prominence when she received the prestigious 2002 Newbery Medal for her novel A Single Shard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
June 26, 2008
I listened to this time-travel/ancient Korean lore fantasy as an audiobook. Light, breezy, and enjoyable. Just when Archer starts to get a bit too grand and heroic, he unexpectedly guffaws at a bit of bathroom humor when Kevin teaches him how to make an instant joke by adding the phrase "on the toilet" to one's fortune-cookie fortune. (Heh!)
April 6, 2010
This book was awesome. It accomplishes several things. It teaches values and can help people take more interest in history. It's exciting. It's short (not drawn out more than it needs to be, for what it is). It's strange (we could all use a good dose of time-traveling Korean archers riding tigers now and then).
Anyway, I read a few accounts of Chu-mong on some old, public domain books (on books.google.com). It's pretty interesting, but there are considerable differences between the legends I saw and those in the book. All the accounts aren't the same. I wonder where Linda Sue Park got her version.
This book is considerably different from A Single Shard, by the same author. It's fantasy, and in a modern setting. It's not at all the same type of book—but it's still really good, I think.
I think kids would love this book, too. I'd like to hear their opinions on it.
I liked the references Kevin (the main character) made to his dad's being a computer programmer, even though the Keven didn't seem to relate to it at all, at first.
One thing that's a little weird is that Archer keeps wanting shoot things when they pose the slightest threat (although don't worry about this too much; he doesn't go on a killing spree, or anything—I think it's just meant to add suspense or something, and maybe some comic relief, and/or drama).
I'd like to read more books by this author. I've exhausted the books that the library has on CD, though—so I'll have to find time to read them normally, I guess, until/if they get more.
People seem to think this book is targeted at older kids and young adults—however, I think normal and younger kids would appreciate it most; not because it's more simpler or has younger characters (though it is short and has a young main character), but because it's intriguing in the sorts of ways that I think would delight them (and help them be interested in history in the process).
Fans of The Indian in the Cupboard (the book—not the movie) should like this one, I think.
The narration of this as an audiobook was very good.
Anyway, I read a few accounts of Chu-mong on some old, public domain books (on books.google.com). It's pretty interesting, but there are considerable differences between the legends I saw and those in the book. All the accounts aren't the same. I wonder where Linda Sue Park got her version.
This book is considerably different from A Single Shard, by the same author. It's fantasy, and in a modern setting. It's not at all the same type of book—but it's still really good, I think.
I think kids would love this book, too. I'd like to hear their opinions on it.
I liked the references Kevin (the main character) made to his dad's being a computer programmer, even though the Keven didn't seem to relate to it at all, at first.
One thing that's a little weird is that Archer keeps wanting shoot things when they pose the slightest threat (although don't worry about this too much; he doesn't go on a killing spree, or anything—I think it's just meant to add suspense or something, and maybe some comic relief, and/or drama).
I'd like to read more books by this author. I've exhausted the books that the library has on CD, though—so I'll have to find time to read them normally, I guess, until/if they get more.
People seem to think this book is targeted at older kids and young adults—however, I think normal and younger kids would appreciate it most; not because it's more simpler or has younger characters (though it is short and has a young main character), but because it's intriguing in the sorts of ways that I think would delight them (and help them be interested in history in the process).
Fans of The Indian in the Cupboard (the book—not the movie) should like this one, I think.
The narration of this as an audiobook was very good.
July 20, 2008
Well done story. A young boy of Korean heritage is confronted by a Korean leader from an earlier age who suddenly appears in his bedroom. He seems to have traveled through time to the present. The boy learns about his culture and "honor" from the man he calls Archer. The story incorporates Korean history which the boy comes to appreciate more. The boy's difficult relationship with his father is improved as a result of the "visit."
Audiobook was ok, very listen-able.
Audiobook was ok, very listen-able.
August 19, 2008
The main value here is that this book addresses Korean culture, history, and has Korean characters. This book is not up to Park's usual standards, much younger, kind of stiff, and trying to please the elementary/middle school crowd.
September 2, 2007
I would have preferred a historical novel about his legendary king rather than a time-travel fantasy. Not one of her better books.
May 7, 2020
While not nearly as magical as Park’s “A Single Shard”, this book is excellent. Please note I’m using magical in the sense of amazing and delightful, not as in hocus pocus magic. I’m making the distinction because the basis of the story is time travel. This is not sci-fi, because absolutely no explanation is given. Kevin is struggling with his boring Social Studies homework when all of a sudden his cap is removed from his head. By an arrow! This is the 1990s. Who uses bow and arrows? Well a person from 55 BCE would. A person named Chu-mong might, the founder of the country of Korea! Kevin learns a lot about the story of Chu-mong. He also gets an insight into the concept of ‘boring’ being a choice a person makes, not an intrinsic part of whatever is considered boring. He also learns a lot about problem solving. Chu-mong? Perhaps he learns that there is a lot to learn from ordinary people.
This book was a fast read and kept my attention. Since there is so little historical fiction on Korea, this book is valuable for that reason. It is a book that will appeal to boys, which is important. Kevin is an attractive character. It is also one of the few fictional books to deal with archery. Definitely recommended enthusiastically!
This book was a fast read and kept my attention. Since there is so little historical fiction on Korea, this book is valuable for that reason. It is a book that will appeal to boys, which is important. Kevin is an attractive character. It is also one of the few fictional books to deal with archery. Definitely recommended enthusiastically!
October 15, 2014
I’m going to start off by saying Archer’s Quest by Linda Sue Park was one peculiar adventure. The thought that its tale lasted only a day is quite stunning! There were only four major settings, and two main characters which was awesome for me because some books just have too much to keep track of. I loved the cover because it’s so comic like, but at the same time realistic. The book has a nice feel when I hold it in my hands: smooth and glossy. It was really easy to read as well with the font being extra big so my eyes didn’t have to work as hard. This is something I find often attracts me to books. I rather it have more pages with larger words and more spacing, then less pages that are crammed with tiny words. Now going back towards the actual content of the book, this was truly a unique tale. There were multiple parts in the book where you could sense the author’s voice and style. She took magic, a cool tale, and some Korean culture and mixed them together to make this. Park also intrigued me with the way she brought her characters to life. “Archie,” also known as “Skillful Archer” and Koh Chu-mong is frequently portrayed as a man of a different world. He’s always examining new objects and taking in his surroundings. The way he is described makes it clear that he is being very cautious and is a man of many different traits. Archie is constantly on his feet and ready for action. At times it can seem as though he is a bit arrogant, but I find his character very humorous because he is so unique. He is a proud man with lots of honor, although he also knows the value of modesty. I captured numerous Asian essences throughout the book, and because of Park’s Korean background it was easy to get a feel of her style and voice. One good example that shows all of Park’s wonderful techniques is when Archie scolds Kevin the other main character:
He tried to remember if his parents had ever said anything about being burgled. Let them take whatever they want, just don’t get hurt--something like that. He raised his hands a little higher. “Um take whatever you want, okay? Can I--can I help you find something?”
The man faced Kevin again. “So many questions,” he said sternly. “Have you no manners? I am the elder of us. I ask the questions, and you do not speak except to answer.” (Park 7)
First I should probably say a little about Kevin. Kevin is the boy whose life Archie popped into. Archie basically terrorized Kevin by shooting an arrow that took his hat straight off and holding him at arrow point or whatever you want to call it. Now that we know about Kevin, the first thing that we see in the quote above is how Park lets us see Kevin think to himself. We read his thoughts so we can understand how he feels and what his thought process is better. When you’re in someone’s mind, you can see what’s really going on in there. I may have assumed Kevin was making up a plan to temporarily distract Archie and then flee if Park hadn’t written down his thoughts. Secondly, we see a sense of Asian tradition where elders are much respected, “I am the elder of us. I ask the questions, and you do not speak except to answer.” (Park 7) Archie speaks sternly which infers that he is scolding or teaching. It’s kind of like, “Don’t you know any manners?” And there we have it, two birds one stone. Park gives us an understanding of traditional Asian background, while also helping us understand what both characters are like. Kevin is mindful of what his parents teach, and Archie comes from a place that must be very traditional.
Another event that helps show Archie’s personality was when he first showed up in Kevin’s room and was holding Kevin at “bow point.” The two had not yet established a feeling of trust between one another, but throughout the story they grow closer as Kevin aids Archie in his quest to return to his homeland. I didn’t discover how significant trust was to Archie until he talked about tigers and the fact that Kevin’s family honored tigers allowed him to trust Kevin more. Time after time trust came up as Archie feared he could not trust Kevin in fear that he was an enemy. This consistency is part of Park’s technique to develop her characters. Just little events like the light turning on and Archie fearing that Kevin was trying to blind him are used to show how unfamiliar our world is to Archie and how important it is for Archie that he can trust those around him. Even with the computer Archie needed to insure trust!
One last technique that I really wanted to point out was the usage of lingual references. At one point in the story, Kevin calls his grandparents to help who are explained to be from Korea. He refers to them as “Ah-jee” and “Ah-mee” since he could not pronounce the Korean words “Har-abuji” for grandfather and “Halmoni” grandmother. Telling us the words in Korean pulls us deeper into this Asian theme. It’s a part of Park’s voice and she’s trying to express that through Kevin. I once did this with one of my pieces of writing by using Vietnamese words (I'm of Vietnamese ethnicity) and explaining rather than simply English. To me it helps show your personal side through your writing, while at the same time deepening your reader’s understanding.
In the end, there are multiple more examples that I could give, but there are so many good examples that I’d go on forever. I even wanted to quote the example about turning on lights, but had to shorten it down! And I didn’t even get to talk about the restaurant they went to! So many great examples, which only goes further into how Park manages to create a short tale that has so much depth. Nothing really happens throughout the book, but because there is so much to understand about each character and their background it is enough to make your mind go wild.
He tried to remember if his parents had ever said anything about being burgled. Let them take whatever they want, just don’t get hurt--something like that. He raised his hands a little higher. “Um take whatever you want, okay? Can I--can I help you find something?”
The man faced Kevin again. “So many questions,” he said sternly. “Have you no manners? I am the elder of us. I ask the questions, and you do not speak except to answer.” (Park 7)
First I should probably say a little about Kevin. Kevin is the boy whose life Archie popped into. Archie basically terrorized Kevin by shooting an arrow that took his hat straight off and holding him at arrow point or whatever you want to call it. Now that we know about Kevin, the first thing that we see in the quote above is how Park lets us see Kevin think to himself. We read his thoughts so we can understand how he feels and what his thought process is better. When you’re in someone’s mind, you can see what’s really going on in there. I may have assumed Kevin was making up a plan to temporarily distract Archie and then flee if Park hadn’t written down his thoughts. Secondly, we see a sense of Asian tradition where elders are much respected, “I am the elder of us. I ask the questions, and you do not speak except to answer.” (Park 7) Archie speaks sternly which infers that he is scolding or teaching. It’s kind of like, “Don’t you know any manners?” And there we have it, two birds one stone. Park gives us an understanding of traditional Asian background, while also helping us understand what both characters are like. Kevin is mindful of what his parents teach, and Archie comes from a place that must be very traditional.
Another event that helps show Archie’s personality was when he first showed up in Kevin’s room and was holding Kevin at “bow point.” The two had not yet established a feeling of trust between one another, but throughout the story they grow closer as Kevin aids Archie in his quest to return to his homeland. I didn’t discover how significant trust was to Archie until he talked about tigers and the fact that Kevin’s family honored tigers allowed him to trust Kevin more. Time after time trust came up as Archie feared he could not trust Kevin in fear that he was an enemy. This consistency is part of Park’s technique to develop her characters. Just little events like the light turning on and Archie fearing that Kevin was trying to blind him are used to show how unfamiliar our world is to Archie and how important it is for Archie that he can trust those around him. Even with the computer Archie needed to insure trust!
One last technique that I really wanted to point out was the usage of lingual references. At one point in the story, Kevin calls his grandparents to help who are explained to be from Korea. He refers to them as “Ah-jee” and “Ah-mee” since he could not pronounce the Korean words “Har-abuji” for grandfather and “Halmoni” grandmother. Telling us the words in Korean pulls us deeper into this Asian theme. It’s a part of Park’s voice and she’s trying to express that through Kevin. I once did this with one of my pieces of writing by using Vietnamese words (I'm of Vietnamese ethnicity) and explaining rather than simply English. To me it helps show your personal side through your writing, while at the same time deepening your reader’s understanding.
In the end, there are multiple more examples that I could give, but there are so many good examples that I’d go on forever. I even wanted to quote the example about turning on lights, but had to shorten it down! And I didn’t even get to talk about the restaurant they went to! So many great examples, which only goes further into how Park manages to create a short tale that has so much depth. Nothing really happens throughout the book, but because there is so much to understand about each character and their background it is enough to make your mind go wild.
July 10, 2025
I read this book in an attempt to find something for my 7th-grade students to read in a unit about the interconnected concepts of “time, place, and space.”
I wanted this book to have a fast-paced plot and a short page count, and—guess what?—it’s “perfect.” The book IS a short read that also FEELS short. No deep philosophical conversations that drag out, no overly detailed settings, no long fight scenes—short chapters that move things along nicely. It’s kind of “perfect” for my students to use in a larger discussion on how “time, place, and space” interact.
The story itself, aside from my purposes for it, is kind of forgettable. The best thing is the premise. And while it is a “fun” story, it’s not one that I’ll remember. It’s a fun story to tell someone about, but you’ll only tell them the premise because the actual plot points and character growth are just “mid” to nonexistent.
I wanted this book to have a fast-paced plot and a short page count, and—guess what?—it’s “perfect.” The book IS a short read that also FEELS short. No deep philosophical conversations that drag out, no overly detailed settings, no long fight scenes—short chapters that move things along nicely. It’s kind of “perfect” for my students to use in a larger discussion on how “time, place, and space” interact.
The story itself, aside from my purposes for it, is kind of forgettable. The best thing is the premise. And while it is a “fun” story, it’s not one that I’ll remember. It’s a fun story to tell someone about, but you’ll only tell them the premise because the actual plot points and character growth are just “mid” to nonexistent.
April 17, 2020
2.5 stars. This was fine. It is an older middle grade children's book and it really shows, using very simplistic language and trying too hard to make the middle schooler sound cool. It was nice to learn about Korean culture and history and the book was interesting. I just don't really remember much about it, besides the historical character and I could probably learn more about him through another book.
February 2, 2018
I loved Single Shard, and expected more from this story, but it failed to impress me. Linda Sue Park put together a good little magical mystery, but it’s very contrived. The main character hates school, especially history. Then a guy from B.C. Korea shows up in his room. They embark on an adventure of sorts trying to figure out how to get him back to his proper place and time. And of course do so by using math skills and the Chinese Zodiac. Proving he is smarter and more skilled then he previously believes. Unlike Single Shard, reads like a kids book.
April 3, 2021
3.5 A creative and engaging time travel tale celebrating history, specifically Korean, in a modern American setting. The unlikely friendship between Archer and Kevin is sweet, meaningful, and humous given their two millennia age difference. A joyful and pleasant read for anyone!
January 27, 2022
This is a short story based on an actual Korean king. The story was fun and simple. I have loved all of Linda Sue Park’s books, so this was a bit of a let down. Maybe if I had read it before reading other books of hers, I wouldn’t feel this way.
May 5, 2015
I got this book not realizing it is for Young Adults. But since it deals with a historical character that I love (Chumong) I decided to go ahead and read it. It is absolutely fabulous. It reminded me of Kdrama "Rooftop Prince" about an ancient Korean Prince who lands in modern day Seoul, but here, the character who did the time travel to modern times is Chumong, the founder of ancient Goguryeo Kingdom, and he not only lands in modern times, but also in the U.S. That surely is the foundation for a lot of laughs, and I could not help but giggle throughout reading it. In fact, I have not laughed so much reading a book in a long time. Of course, it helps that I only recently watched the Korean mini-series "Jumong" with the amazing Song Il-Gook in the title role. (It achieved over 50% ratings when it aired in Korea. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumong_%...) In that mini-series Jumong was one of the most upright and awe-inspiring characters I have seen in a Kdrama, and as I was reading, I could not help but imagine him as the archer in the book. Aside from my love for the character of Jumong/Chumong, I thought the story was well written, esp. considering it was for young adults and had some valuable life lessons. Some of which were disguised as Chumong's comments about the world he comes from vs. this new world. For example, in his world, he could not tell a personal story of his glory, as it is not modest. Also, Chumong's lessons to young Kevin - such as how to center one's self, and relax. I also thought it was not accidental that the book opens with Kevin's distaste for social studies, and then - his whole story of meeting Chumong is an exercise in appreciation for history, customs - social studies. I hope this book will inspire many young readers to learn more about History, Korea, Chumong, and the life lessons brought here.
March 18, 2015
Archer's Quest is about a twelve-year-old boy named Kevin, whose homework session is interrupted by a strange man named Chu-Mong, aka Archer. He tells Kevin that he fell off his tiger and doesn't know how he got to Kevin's house. Eventually, Kevin realizes that Archer is from the past, and it is up to him to help Archer get back to his own time. The story follows Kevin and Archer as they figure out the mystery of how Archer can get back to the past.
Overall, I thought this was a pretty good book, and it is definitely a great book for the fifth/sixth grade age. The vocabulary was age appropriate, and late elementary, early middle school age children could follow and enjoy the story. I did find that the action was slightly slow, and the author never explained exactly how Archer even got to the present. It is possible that a middle school student could wonder the same thing while reading. I would definitely recommend this book to students that may be struggling with reading chapter books because it is a relatively easy story to follow, and the actual book is only 160 pages, so it is a quick read.
One of the main themes in this book discusses knowing about and understanding your culture. In the book, Kevin doesn't know much about his own culture, but he is forced to learn about it when Archer shows up. He realizes and understands the importance of his culture by the end of the book, and he is even interested in learning about it. I think this book would help students to realize the importance of their culture, and help them to see that culture can be exciting, and that they should take the time to learn about their family and where they come from.
Overall, I thought this was a pretty good book, and it is definitely a great book for the fifth/sixth grade age. The vocabulary was age appropriate, and late elementary, early middle school age children could follow and enjoy the story. I did find that the action was slightly slow, and the author never explained exactly how Archer even got to the present. It is possible that a middle school student could wonder the same thing while reading. I would definitely recommend this book to students that may be struggling with reading chapter books because it is a relatively easy story to follow, and the actual book is only 160 pages, so it is a quick read.
One of the main themes in this book discusses knowing about and understanding your culture. In the book, Kevin doesn't know much about his own culture, but he is forced to learn about it when Archer shows up. He realizes and understands the importance of his culture by the end of the book, and he is even interested in learning about it. I think this book would help students to realize the importance of their culture, and help them to see that culture can be exciting, and that they should take the time to learn about their family and where they come from.
February 22, 2010
Roman Antonio’s review:
Linda Sue Park offers another gem for tweens and young adults readers to dive into. Archer’s Quest is a story about 12 year old boy named Kevin who is home alone and while doing social studies homework he is interrupted my an intruder who carries a bow and arrows. As Kevin realizes what is happening he panics and realizes that he is home alone and his parents come home late on Monday. The intruder which has stormed into Kevin’s room claims to be Koh Chu-mong, the Great Archer from a Korean kingdom who fell of his tiger and landed into Kevin’s bedroom. After the Great Archer takes Kevin captive, Chu-mong realizes that he is lost and needs Kevin’s help to get back to the ancient times of 1st century B.C. Kevin and the Great Archer begin on a quest to get back home and after humorous and unsuccessful trips to the museum and zoo leaves them still in present day, Kevin is determined to send the Archer back to his Korean Kingdom. Through their journey, author Linda Sue Park uses the power of humor and friendship to help guide readers from page to page.
I recommend this novel because it possesses many mannerisms that many young adults face. The feeling of uncertainty, lack of appreciation for elders, and self determination is discussed in the novel. Linda Sue Park takes the past and fuses it with the present which offers a delightful story about two different pupils who form an unlikely friendship and together locate their destinations and also themselves.
Linda Sue Park offers another gem for tweens and young adults readers to dive into. Archer’s Quest is a story about 12 year old boy named Kevin who is home alone and while doing social studies homework he is interrupted my an intruder who carries a bow and arrows. As Kevin realizes what is happening he panics and realizes that he is home alone and his parents come home late on Monday. The intruder which has stormed into Kevin’s room claims to be Koh Chu-mong, the Great Archer from a Korean kingdom who fell of his tiger and landed into Kevin’s bedroom. After the Great Archer takes Kevin captive, Chu-mong realizes that he is lost and needs Kevin’s help to get back to the ancient times of 1st century B.C. Kevin and the Great Archer begin on a quest to get back home and after humorous and unsuccessful trips to the museum and zoo leaves them still in present day, Kevin is determined to send the Archer back to his Korean Kingdom. Through their journey, author Linda Sue Park uses the power of humor and friendship to help guide readers from page to page.
I recommend this novel because it possesses many mannerisms that many young adults face. The feeling of uncertainty, lack of appreciation for elders, and self determination is discussed in the novel. Linda Sue Park takes the past and fuses it with the present which offers a delightful story about two different pupils who form an unlikely friendship and together locate their destinations and also themselves.
April 15, 2015
I would rate this book as seven because I thought the plot of the story was dragging on. However I believe the message of this story would connect well with the students as they may have similar motives when it comes to finding the worth of homework. This book would be good to use in a classroom during a lesson about the importance of history. As our future is effected by our past and this book shows the importance to why the main character should be more engaged in his history assignments. In the book the main character Kevin learns along the way more about about his Korean ancestry as well as Korean folklore and legends as he interacts with this mysterious archer that just magically appeared in his room one night. This book would also be good for students to read when studying the fantasy genre. They could break apart as to why this book is a fantasy and how they could relate to something that isn’t necessarily true. Characterization is a literary element that would be good to pull out from the book. The author does a good job describing the character traits that make up the main characters. We could do a lesson on how the author shows character motives from their dialogue. For example in the book we know that the Archer is not from the same time period as Kevin because of they way he addresses Kevin
April 15, 2015
I really enjoyed how well Park used the fantasy element within this book. The book got very suspenseful when Kevin was trying to help the Great Archer back to his own time. I was always wondering what would happen next, and if Kevin would be able to get him back. I know this is the exact way that younger elementary school kids would be feeling. I think this would be one of those books that most kids would not be able to put down. I believe this book could be used in two different ways. I think it would work great as an independent read as a class. After the children read the book is where it gets different. I think that the teacher could either do a lesson on Korean history since this book shared a lot about their culture, or the teacher could do a lesson on backgrounds. Each student could do a little research on their own heritage so they could all learn a little bit more about their own culture and customs. This would help the students learn more about themselves and who they are, just like Kevin did.
October 12, 2011
Now that was a cool book. A Korean king from the distant past magically appears in the bedroom of a modern tweenage boy. While the boy, Kevin, teaches the king, Archer, about the modern world, Archer teaches Kevin what it means to be a hero. Archer's Quest gives you some nice lessons through time travel.
What I liked about this book:
• The character arc of our hero kid Kevin--he comes around from being a history-hater to someone who appreciates the perspective that the past brings us.
• You learn about Korean history.
• As a water tiger, naturally I enjoyed this.
• Skillful Archer is a wise, sincere, and memorable character. He's a guy I'd like to hang with.
What I didn't like so much:
• Oh the pacing was a little slow, but the stories were so great that it didn't matter!
Kids who are addicted to action might not like this book, but there is a lot to learn from the teachings of Skillful Archer. Let's hear it for tigers!
What I liked about this book:
• The character arc of our hero kid Kevin--he comes around from being a history-hater to someone who appreciates the perspective that the past brings us.
• You learn about Korean history.
• As a water tiger, naturally I enjoyed this.
• Skillful Archer is a wise, sincere, and memorable character. He's a guy I'd like to hang with.
What I didn't like so much:
• Oh the pacing was a little slow, but the stories were so great that it didn't matter!
Kids who are addicted to action might not like this book, but there is a lot to learn from the teachings of Skillful Archer. Let's hear it for tigers!
April 28, 2008
It all started out as an ordinary day. Kevin was sitting at his computer when suddenly a stranger with a bow and arrow was standing behind him ready to shoot. The stranger is Chu-mong, a legendary king and great archer from ancient Korea. Kevin needs to help him find a way back to his correct time before the year of the tiger ends. Readers and listeners will enjoy the visit to the zoo as Chu-mong enters the tiger’s pit. Linda Sue Park, a Newbery Medal winning author for A Single Shard, has written another wonderful historical fiction. Included is information on the Chinese Zodiac at the end of the hardback book. You can find out if you are a tiger or perhaps a monkey. The audio version is read by Feodor Chin who narrates other audios and has appeared on General Hospital. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
November 5, 2009
Audiobook. Kevin Kim gets caught in an unusual predicament when ancient Korean King, Chu-mong, magically appears in his bedroom one evening and needs help getting back to his own time. I took this on a 9-year-old boys recommendation. A cute story that seamlessly weaves Korean history into the narrative. A big sucker for story's about misplaced historical figures, I expected more mass confusion from the confused king. The thoughtful nature of Chu-mong's character, though, tempered the more impulsive and modern Kevin nicely. Feodor Chin, set the story at a slow and even pace and was a pleasure to listen too.
November 20, 2011
This is a solid three and half stars. As a pretty hard scorer, I'm kind of annoyed this doesn't have an overall higher rating. Many of the reviewers seem to think it would bore kids, although I don't really think it would. Also, they may not have students I've had who desperately read anything with Asian characters in order to read about anyone who has a similar heritage to their own and would really adore a book with this level of adventure (not to mention geared towards boys which I've found a bit harder to find).
Read more here!
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June 13, 2008
I read this book as part of my job as a librarian (sweet gig). It's a book 3rd through 8th graders will read next year as part of a statewide book contest. It was a quick and easy time travel story. It will be great for 3rd and 4th graders. The most interesting part for me was the embedded math problem the main character solved. I like that the author included Chinese zodiac information, but she did not take it far enough into the future. Any kid born after 2000 will have to look elsewhere to be sure of his or her Chinese birth year (if they're born in January/February anyway).
January 11, 2009
This was a young reader choice book and I had read A Single Shard, so I was sorely disappointed in the book. There was not much action and it just didn't flow well. The main character did a lot of thinking.
I also read it out loud to my reading class. About a third into the book I was sad I'd chosen it. At least it had some rising action, a climax and a clear conclusion to put on the story map. I was bored. I have a lot of fantastic read out louds, but this was not one of them. At least my reading students can now vote in the contest.
Whew! I am so glad I can move on.
I also read it out loud to my reading class. About a third into the book I was sad I'd chosen it. At least it had some rising action, a climax and a clear conclusion to put on the story map. I was bored. I have a lot of fantastic read out louds, but this was not one of them. At least my reading students can now vote in the contest.
Whew! I am so glad I can move on.
August 4, 2009
When an ancient Korean archer appears in Kevin's bedroom one February afternoon, neither of them are sure what happened. The only thing Kevin knows is that he's got to get Archer back in his own time before they change the course of history forever.
Obviously the set-up is meant to tell a story that educates as well as entertains. The book is mostly successful in incorporating facts organically and there is enough arrow-wielding action to entertain most kids. The audio recording was fine, though not particularly spectacular.
Obviously the set-up is meant to tell a story that educates as well as entertains. The book is mostly successful in incorporating facts organically and there is enough arrow-wielding action to entertain most kids. The audio recording was fine, though not particularly spectacular.
August 14, 2009
My kids (ages 8 and 11) might have given this a 4. I'd give it a high three. They have willingly listened each night and always ask for another chapter. It's a time-travel book of Chu-mong from Korea 55 B.C. to Kevin in 2003 (or so) and them figuring out how to get him back where he belongs. References to internet searches, math in your head, a few good moral lessons (on being deceitful and what is a lie, being "good" etc.), just the funny experiences of someone who hasn't seen modern life, having him fit in or at least not be noticed with his clothes and bow/arrows.
January 19, 2009
This book is very different from the last book I read by this author, and it's hard not to try to compare the two. "A Single Shard" is excellent and won a Newbery Award. "Archer's Quest" was interesting and I read it quickly because I kept wanting to find out why the chain of events happened in the first place. Unfortunately that question was never answered. I did enjoy the historical fiction aspects of this story, but otherwise nothing stands out as being exceptional or noteworthy.
February 9, 2009
I hated to give this 2 stars, because I did like it. But Archer's Quest could have been so much better! More action, please, and danger!
I did like the interesting parts of Korean history and culture. Also, since this story involves time travel, it's fun to chuckle at the contrasts in the time periods. Finally, the message is inspiring: "ordinary" people can do great things: the key is persistence.
Probably rated G.
I did like the interesting parts of Korean history and culture. Also, since this story involves time travel, it's fun to chuckle at the contrasts in the time periods. Finally, the message is inspiring: "ordinary" people can do great things: the key is persistence.
Probably rated G.
April 1, 2009
Math, logic and history are put to the test when Koh Chu-Mong, founder of Korea and famed archer, falls off his tiger and into Kevin’s bedroom in modern-day America, and the two must figure out how to sent the historic figure back in time in this gripping, fun tale.
• Potential Use: Pure fun; good curriculum tie-in with history and math.
• Child Appeal: Historical figure comes to life; quasi-fantastical, exciting; math and logic puzzles; and of course, archery!
• Potential Use: Pure fun; good curriculum tie-in with history and math.
• Child Appeal: Historical figure comes to life; quasi-fantastical, exciting; math and logic puzzles; and of course, archery!
October 31, 2009
I read this book and thought it was amzing. If i wasn't in bookclub I would never have picked that book up to read because I wouldn't of had to read it. This book is about this Chinese person lands in a little boys bedroom and has to get back to his contry or his country will be destroyed because it is hisory. So the booy helps him get back in time. This is a really good book that will make you want to keep reading. It is so good.
February 22, 2010
Not one of my favorites. I do like that it teaches the reader a little bit about Korea's history which we don't hear much about and there are a couple of nice teaching moments where Kevin does some difficult math in his head and figures out the best way to research his topic. I have a feeling that this book does not have a lot of young followers because the plot doesn't really draw the reader in.
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