Behind the Mask

by Yangsook Choi

Halloween is coming. “What are you going to be?” the children ask one another. Kimin says he will be his grandfather. “Going as an old man is not very scary,” they tease. What the children don’t know is that Kimin’s grandfather was a Korean mask dancer. And Kimin doesn’t know that the mask holds a secret for him.
With vibrant illustrations, Yangsook Choi joins Korean and American folk traditions in her story about a boy who finds a link to his grandfather, behind the mask.  Behind the Mask is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Family, Childrens, Holiday, Cultural, Asian Literature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Yangsook Choi is the author of the beloved classic THE NAME JAR. Growing up in Korea, she began drawing at age four and delighted in telling her grandmother scary stories at night. After moving to New York to pursue her art, she has written and illustrated many books for young readers.

Her books have been acclaimed as a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year, an American Library Association Notable Book, and with an International Literacy Association's Children's Book Award. She has also received 200+ rejection letters until she lost count.

Her past jobs include waiting tables at a smoky Korean BBQ restaurant, flying as a flight attendant, and drawing tiny pictures on fake nails.

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of a young boy reconnecting with the memory of his Grandfather by wearing his dance costume on Halloween. An interesting insight into Korean culture.

[Celia Buell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize how much Behind the Mask would affect me emotionally. The story pulls me in a lot of directions and parts of it are pretty sad. However, I liked the ending a lot.

I love how the illustrations embody the spirit of Halloween. Each costume is very detailed, especially on the main trick-or-treating pages. They're honestly adorable and remind me of the more creative costumes from my childhood (rather than the store-bought ones I'm seeing with a lot of students today).

Overall this was a sweet book that definitely left a good impression on me.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When young Kimin can’t decide what to be for Halloween, his mother suggests he look through his grandfathers belonging. Inside one of the suitcases, he finds a mask that he recognizes - he had been frightened when he had seen his grandfather wearing it as a young boy, but now he realizes his grandfather was a professional Korean dancer and the masks were part of his dances. Kimin decides to honor his grandfather’s memory by wearing the mask and robe that once had scared him. Trick or treating with his friends is a real success, but Kimin receives a real treat when a note to him from his grandfather is discovered. Be sure to read the Author’s Note about Talchum, or traditional Korean mask dancing.

This is a nice Halloween story that shows how our immigrant heritage can become part of our American cultural traditions without losing any of its meaning or importance. And Choi’s softly painted illustrations add much to the atmosphere of this beautiful intergenerational story.

[Sara ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute book. I admit I saw the Korean on the cover and went, "Oh! Gotta read it!" I liked that it was about Halloween, but also about the little boy's heritage, and how he comes to appreciate his Grandfather, too. And all in under 30 pages! ;)

[Tiffany Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a little boy who is given some dance masks from his grandfather. When he was younger he was terrified by one of the masks he was given but decided to wear it for Halloween and be his grandfather. He falls while out for Halloween and scratches the nose on the mask and he is upset that he damaged the mask. But his mom informs him that it is fine and that his grandfather would be so happy to see that he was him for Halloween. This is a great book to show differences in cultures between America and South Korea, which is where the boy is from. For students, this book is a great way to show the different cultures and to even make their own dance masks that they can wear and even show to the rest of their classmates.

[Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me right in the gut. Halloween as a way of processing grief. Yes, yes yes.

There's an idea in this book about how sometimes things that aren't truly dangerous or anything can be really viscerally scary for kids, and that kids sometimes keep that stuff bottled up because it's hard to articulate what that fear is. I can't think of another book that really captures that feeling, but I remember feeling it myself.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kimin looks through his grandfather's old dance costumes and discovers a mask that had once frightened him as a child. He decides to dress up as his grandfather for Halloween. The other children think that sounds like a boring costume when he tells them...but they don't realize Kimin's grandfather was a Korean mask dancer. Both Kimin and his friends find surprises in his costume.

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever there is question that our students need to see themselves reflected in our library collections, this title is one I will hold up. One of my 2nd graders came to me all excited saying I just had to read this title. He proudly pointed out the Korean words that he knew and was thrilled to find a book that spoke to the Korean side of his culture.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book for when Halloween is approaching. The Korean culture is represented in this book and would be good to read if learning about it. I like the plot of the story and the overall feeling of the book.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Kimin starts looking for a Halloween costume, his mother suggests looking through the belongings of his late grandfather who was a Korean mask dancer. The book explores connecting with one's roots and the power of a costume.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise to learn about Talchum, a traditional Korean folk dance, while reading a Halloween story.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really lovely! I loved the heritage that is tied in with the themes of the holiday. I learned a lot

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to my Vietnamese student and though it’s Korean, he loved it! Fascinated by the mask and the grandpa, he just thought the story was great!

[David Haggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good glimpse for kids into talchum, mask dance, traditional folk dance; however, the children in the story seem more accepting of multiculturalism that found in real life.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed on Open Library. I liked that there weren't any mean kids in the group; that's a cliche we can see less of. Good theme and author's note.

[Drew Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kimin isn't sure what to make of the boxes of grandfather's heirlooms and the spooky memories their contents conjure, but when he learns what they mean he starts to change his mind, especially as Halloween draws closer.

When The Boy (4) picked this off the library shelf for whatever reason I almost just told him to put it back but he seemed most insistent, and who am I to dissuade him from literary curiosity? This was an interesting book about family heritage and learning where you come from, with Halloween thrown in to boot, but I don't know, I guess I'm just not exactly the audience. I'm not sorry we read it or anything, and the kids like it (though it still seems pretty creepy at times to me), so there you go, expanding their cultural horizons already.

[Yesenia Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful, I loved to see how a mask was something symbolic to the boy. The boy thought about his grandfather and his beautiful culture.

[Kaitlin Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Behind the Mask" is a Korean-based picture book by Yangsook Choi. It is the story of a Korean boy, Kimin, right before Halloween. All the boys and girls are excited discussing what they will be for Halloween. Kimin says that he is going to be his grandpa but that isn't "scary" to the other boys and girls, but little do they know that his grandpa was a Korea mask dancer. As Kimin looks through his grandfather's belongings he remembers his grandfather and reflects on their Korea culture. He decides to wear a mask and costume of this grandfather's out to trick or treat with his friends. The children love the Korean costume and Kimin shares the other costumes and masks with his friends. It really is a charming story with a strong connection between Korean and American cultures coming together. I would really like to use this story in my classroom next year around Halloween time because of the strong connection that it makes and I have many Korean students in my school.

Similar to Gary Soto's story, "Behind the Mask" incorporates Korean language within the text. For example, "tal" means mask, which they use quite often throughout the text. Within the illustrations, multiple cultures of "trick or treaters" are represented. There are not only Korean characters depicted, making it more relatable to a wider range of readers. This book is respectful of the Korean culture with no demeaning language or stereotypes. I think the best part of the story is how the author shows the non-Korean children getting so excited about the different authentic masks and costumes that Kimin has from his grandfather. It promotes a sense of acceptance and curiosity of culture that is different from their own. It really is a great, simply story that I stumbled upon. I highly recommend it.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masks hold the power of pretense, play, mystery and fascination. Behind the Mask by Yangsook Choi is a sweet story of young Korean American boy Kimin who wears an old family dance costume for trick or treating and discovers a link to his grandfather.

Yangsook Choi's colorful illustrations beautifully feature orange, green, red, brown and black hues. Her pictures support and extend the text well. My favorite images include blanket, peeking, gruesome, neighborhood kids and bedroom dancing.

This tale joins Korean and American fold traditions: traditional Korean folk dance and American trick or treating on Halloween. Korean writing is featured on several pages. An Author's Note gives background about Talchum. or Korean mask dance.

Behind the Mask is a charming, multicultural story that is a strong choice for Halloween storytimes. Four stars. For ages 5 to 7.5, masks, Halloween, dancing, fear, Korea, Korean-American, and fans of Yangsook Choi.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kimin is a young Korean-American boy with a common quandary--what to be for Halloween? Kimin's mother suggests that he look through his deceased grandfather's things for some ideas. Grandfater's things are family treasures, so when Kimin decides to use some of them for Halloween he sneaks out of the house before his mother can tell him no. His costume is a big hit and gives his classmates a mini lesson on Korean culture along with lots of treats. Kimin is a typical boy who is proud of his heritage. This is a nice story that entertains while giving a glimpse into Korean culture. The story can stand on it's own or might be a jumping off point to delve more deeply into different cultures. The artwork realistically portrays a boy, playground, home and trick-or-treaters in vibrant colors and full page illustrations. A lovely alternative to Halloween books, as it adds a different culture to the mix.

[M.M. Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of the most interesting things about this book is its diversity. This told the story of a child who is afraid to be himself but in the end is celebrated because of it.

I love that he embraces his culture by dressing as his Grandfather who was a Korean folk dancer. The masks his Grandfather used helped him to be accepted for Halloween but also helped him learn who he truly was.

The best thing about the book was the total acceptance from all the children and wanting to know about the mask and about Grandfather. To me, that is what diversity is all about!
4 stars.

Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book from my local library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Behind the Mask by Yangsook Choi is about a young boy named Kimin. Kimin's family comes from Korea, he is reminded of his grandfather after coming across some masks on Halloween. Kimin is very excited to reveal his surprise on Halloween to all his trick-or-treating friends. This is a great story about the blending of two different cultures. It also gives some background into the Korean heritage for young children. The tone and illustrations give insight into another world and connects it to the reader. This is a great multicultural book for the Fall season!

[Kristin Sprague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people have family heirlooms or trinkets passed down from their relatives that had some meaning, but it is often forgotten why they object was important and meaningful to the origianl owner.This is a uniquely interesting book that delves into the life of a boy who discovers his grandfather's past through dressing up in a Haloween Costume.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Halloween book, but it is quite a bit more. It brings in Korean culture and family love. The masks that Kimin finds are very interesting to look at and could encourage some creative mask making and play if shared with children.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Halloween and Kimin comes across some old masks and robes his grandfather used to wear back in Korea. He wears these old costumes and connects with his grandfather and heritage.

Okay illustrations.

[Gretyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a Korean-American boy discovering his heritage, a bit about his grandfather's past and Korean Talchum tradition within the distinctly American tradition of trick-or-treat. A well told tale well-suited for young readers.

[Rachel Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 year old's favorite Halloween book this season.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy is connected to his grandfather through masks he left behind. This book is a way to spark interest in new forms of theater, as the grandfather performed as a traditional Korean folk dancer.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a cute book about a part of the Korean culture. it's a story about a kid who finds his grandfathers mask and the events that follow.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rich history and culture of the mask was lost on my son (sadly) and the plot was a little stale.