- Overview
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Yeong-seon, Na-bi, and Eul-su may come from different social backgrounds, but they have something in common: their refusal to give up in the face of challenge. Young readers learning to take charge of their futures are sure to identify with these girls, who are determined to chase their dreams in a turbulent world.
- Book Intro
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Yeong-seon is the youngest daughter of a pawnbroker. In March of 1947, she is heading to Naksan Mountain to draw spring water for her sick mother when she is swept up in a crowd of protestors, losing consciousness in the crush. She is rescued by Na-bi, a beggar who lives by Cheonggyecheon Stream. Thanks to the chance encounter, Na-bi is hired to do odd jobs for Yeong-seon’s family. The family’s live-in maid Eul-su becomes jealous of Yeong-seon and Na-bi’s burgeoning friendship. As Yepng-seon spends more time with Na-bi—clever and deeply interested in social issues—and with Eul-su—who dreams of one day being an independent woman—she looks back on her own dream of going to Hawaii, and wonders if she could aspire to something more. One day, Na-bi’s young beggar friends are killed when they become embroiled in the assassination of the independence activist Lyuh Woon-hyung. Na-bi begs Yeong-seon’s family to help her find her friends’ bodies. When she is rebuffed, she storms out of the house feeling betrayed. Finally, Yeong-seon convinces Eul-su to help her find Na-bi. Will they be able to safely bring Na-bi back to Yeong-seon's house in the Gwanghawmun Alley?
- About the Author
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Choi Eun-gyu
Choi Eun-kyu debuted as an author in 1997 with Spin-Spin-Spinning with Friends, which was awarded the Grand Prize for Full-Length Fiction at the 5th MBC Children’s Fiction Contest. Choi regularly meets with young people, an eclectic, sometimes rowdy bunch who can always make you laugh—and occasionally, move you to tears. The House in the Gwanghwamun Alley is Choi’s first YA novel, featuring the words and experiences of the young people in Choi’s life. Choi’s other words include Sana is Coming and The Frog Ate the Vanilla Ice Cream. Many of Choi’s picture books have been translated and published in Taiwan and China. Choi’s I Love Rainy Days! has been included in the Grade 2 Korean Language curriculum in Korea.