Youn Hee & Me

by C.S. Adler

Caitlin’s family adopted Simon, a Korean boy, just before Caitlin’s father left their family. Caitlin thinks she, her mother, and Simon form a perfect family. But when Simon’s older sister, Youn Hee, turns up in a Korean orphanage, Caitlin agrees that adopting her is the right thing to do, and she’s sure it will be fun to have a sister her age. But when Youn Hee joins the family, Caitlin learns it’s rewarding, but not easy, to have a new sister.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

C.S. (Carole) Adler moved to Tucson, Arizona, after spending most of her life in upstate New York. She was an English teacher at Niskayuna Middle School for nearly a decade. She is a passionate tennis player, grandmother, and nature lover, and has been a full-time writer since the publication of her first book,The Magic of the Glits, in 1979. That book won both the William Allen White Award and the Golden Kite Award.

Her bookThe Shell Lady’s Daughter was chosen by the A.L.A. as a best young adult book of l983. With Westie and the Tin Man won the Children’s Book Award of the Child Study Committee in l986, and that committee has commended many of Adler’s books. Split Sisters in l987 and Ghost Brother in 1991 were I.R.A. Children’s Choices selections. One Sister Too Many was on the 1991 Young Adults’ Choices list. Always and Forever Friends and Eddie’s Blue Winged Dragon were on a 1991 I.R.A. 99 Favorite Paperbacks list.

Many of her books have been on state lists and have also been published in Japan, Germany, England, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, and France.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

When 11-year-old Caitlin learns that her Korean-born, adopted brother, Simon, has an older sister named Youn Hee, she insists that her family adopt her. Once Youn Hee arrives, she and Caitlan must adapt to the changes in both of their lives and learn how to make a family.
Adler did a good job of addressing adoption from the adopting family's viewpoint, but there is some offensive language used. It is especially unnecessary, considering how frequently Adler addresses Youn Hee's uncomfortable feelings.
Definitely read this first before allowing children/students to read it.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleven-year old Caitlin expresses excitement when she finds out that her adopted brother Simon (Si Won) has an older sister in a Korean orphanage. She fully supports her mother's decision to adopt Youn Hee. In fact, Caitlin looks forward to sharing confidences with her. However, when Youn Hee finally arrives, Caitlin realizes that her dreams may never be fulfilled. Youn Hee feels totally overwhelmed by the newness of America. Simon's ignorance of the Korean culture and language disturbs her. To Youn Hee, he is a wild little American boy. She begins teaching Simon Korean ways, and Caitlin suffers from a fit of jealousy. She begins to regret Youn Hee's adoption. Then, Youn Hee talks about going back to Korea and taking Simon with her. Caitlin realizes that she loves her new sister. What can she do to change Youn Hee's mind? A fight at school and Caitlin's defense of Youn Hee makes all the difference. Finally, it appears that Caitlin's dreams will come true.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com