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A Sky of Paper Stars
Paper Girl
is a heartrending middle-grade graphic novel about a girl’s ill-fated wish to fit in, perfect for readers of Stargazing and Pashmina.
All Yuna wants is to belong. She wants to go to sleepovers, have a smart phone, and go to summer camp—just like her friends in middle school.
Furious at her Umma for never packing her a “normal” American lunch, they get into yet another fight. Out of options and miserable, Yuna remembers a legend that her grandma, Halmoni, told her. If you fold 1,000 paper stars, you will be granted one wish.
When she reaches 1,000 paper stars, Yuna wishes for her family to move back to Korea, where she can finally be normal. Seconds later: a knock at her door. It’s her sister with devastating news. Halmoni has died and they must go back to Korea to attend the funeral.
Yuna knows this is all her fault. As her guilt builds, her body begins to turn into paper. Yuna realizes she must undo her wish and bring her Halmoni back—or turn into paper forever.
Wholly heartbreaking and with light touches of magic realism, Paper Girl is a captivating graphic novel about identity, family, and the love that can bridge generations.
All Yuna wants is to belong. She wants to go to sleepovers, have a smart phone, and go to summer camp—just like her friends in middle school.
Furious at her Umma for never packing her a “normal” American lunch, they get into yet another fight. Out of options and miserable, Yuna remembers a legend that her grandma, Halmoni, told her. If you fold 1,000 paper stars, you will be granted one wish.
When she reaches 1,000 paper stars, Yuna wishes for her family to move back to Korea, where she can finally be normal. Seconds later: a knock at her door. It’s her sister with devastating news. Halmoni has died and they must go back to Korea to attend the funeral.
Yuna knows this is all her fault. As her guilt builds, her body begins to turn into paper. Yuna realizes she must undo her wish and bring her Halmoni back—or turn into paper forever.
Wholly heartbreaking and with light touches of magic realism, Paper Girl is a captivating graphic novel about identity, family, and the love that can bridge generations.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2023
About the author
Susie Yi
7 books64 followersAuthor-illustrator of graphic novels.
Based in Orange County, California, I’m often in an oversized sweater drawing, writing, and enjoying some video games.
I received my BA in molecular & cellular biology from Harvard University and a MS in computer science from the University of Chicago. For many years, I worked in healthcare and then tech, before serendipity and passion took me along for a creative pivot.
Because of my experience in different industries and experiences, I’ve been able to see many perspectives. In my storytelling, I love to combine my personal memories along with diverse life experiences and thoughtful messages for both kids and adults alike.
Based in Orange County, California, I’m often in an oversized sweater drawing, writing, and enjoying some video games.
I received my BA in molecular & cellular biology from Harvard University and a MS in computer science from the University of Chicago. For many years, I worked in healthcare and then tech, before serendipity and passion took me along for a creative pivot.
Because of my experience in different industries and experiences, I’ve been able to see many perspectives. In my storytelling, I love to combine my personal memories along with diverse life experiences and thoughtful messages for both kids and adults alike.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 10, 2024
3.5⭐
This is hard to rate because it's one of those books that's good, but I just didn't love it despite its many merits:
🌟 Korean culture and Asian representation
🌟 Themes of identity, belonging and family
🌟 Delves into the immigration experience
🌟 And mother-daughter relationships
🌟 Reminds me of my mother 💕
🌟 Cute artwork and beautiful colours
🌟 Perfect text-to-picture ratio
🌟 Mina = cuteness overload
Unfortunately, I couldn't get past how dislikable, rude, immature and ungrateful Yuna was (age is not an excuse). She also displayed little sign of growth and was consistently mean to her sister from start to end. There was a timeskip of one year and suddenly she has come around and is enjoying Korean food... nah ain't buying it.
This is hard to rate because it's one of those books that's good, but I just didn't love it despite its many merits:
🌟 Korean culture and Asian representation
🌟 Themes of identity, belonging and family
🌟 Delves into the immigration experience
🌟 And mother-daughter relationships
🌟 Reminds me of my mother 💕
🌟 Cute artwork and beautiful colours
🌟 Perfect text-to-picture ratio
🌟 Mina = cuteness overload
Unfortunately, I couldn't get past how dislikable, rude, immature and ungrateful Yuna was (age is not an excuse). She also displayed little sign of growth and was consistently mean to her sister from start to end. There was a timeskip of one year and suddenly she has come around and is enjoying Korean food... nah ain't buying it.
August 20, 2023
deep and heartfelt story about family and being an immigrants
Yuna hates how she felt like the odd one out in her american school (seems like homemade lunches were universal problem for Asian kids in western countries) so she wished upon 1000 paper stars to be able to live in Korea normally. It turns to an event where Yuna regret her wish and tries to fix it. Apparently she's not even Korean enough to live in Korea, so wherever she lives she's never feels like she belong.
I've been following Susie Yi on Instagram for years, since before she started to make some comic series about cats. She's really good at storytelling and her illustrations are always looking cute and neat. Love this
Yuna hates how she felt like the odd one out in her american school (seems like homemade lunches were universal problem for Asian kids in western countries) so she wished upon 1000 paper stars to be able to live in Korea normally. It turns to an event where Yuna regret her wish and tries to fix it. Apparently she's not even Korean enough to live in Korea, so wherever she lives she's never feels like she belong.
I've been following Susie Yi on Instagram for years, since before she started to make some comic series about cats. She's really good at storytelling and her illustrations are always looking cute and neat. Love this
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April 2, 2024Trigger & Content Warnings:
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a grandmother
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a grandmother
October 19, 2023
I'm a big fan of Susie Yi's Cat & Cat Adventures series, and this is a sharp turn from that in terms of vibes, but keeps her same charming art style. This book was quite emotional--about being a child of immigrants, feeling like you never quite fit in and never quite know where "home" resides. It's about coming to terms with a death and processing grief, not just of the person, but the fact that you wish to have known that person better. This is a wonderful graphic novel perfect for middle grade readers, and I'm happy to see that Susie Yi can successfully handle both the goofy, adventurous and emotional, reflective vibe. This definitely solidified her as an auto-to-read author for me.
April 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A heartfelt, tender story with simple but effective illustrations. I really enjoyed the magical realism aspect; I think magical realism always pairs so beautifully with themes of grief, identity, and belonging.
A heartfelt, tender story with simple but effective illustrations. I really enjoyed the magical realism aspect; I think magical realism always pairs so beautifully with themes of grief, identity, and belonging.
June 8, 2024
"Life is too short to hang onto anger."
"We may wonder what could have been. But I don't think we should feel regret."
"I always thought that halmoni was just very strong. Superhuman. But...now that I'm a mother, I realize that she was just pretending to be strong, for my sake."
Yuna makes a wish to return to Korea because she doesn't fit in with her US friends. But when a tragedy brings her back to Korea, she worries her wish might have been the cause of the tragedy.
Really lovely. Colored illustrations, emphasis on familial bonds.
"We may wonder what could have been. But I don't think we should feel regret."
"I always thought that halmoni was just very strong. Superhuman. But...now that I'm a mother, I realize that she was just pretending to be strong, for my sake."
Yuna makes a wish to return to Korea because she doesn't fit in with her US friends. But when a tragedy brings her back to Korea, she worries her wish might have been the cause of the tragedy.
Really lovely. Colored illustrations, emphasis on familial bonds.
December 14, 2023
Very sweet and sad exploration of grief from the perspective of a kid, based on the author’s experiences with her Halmoni. Beautiful art too.
March 14, 2024
Yuna is a Korean-American middle-schooler who just wants to fit in. She wants her mom to pack “normal” lunches, watch American TV, and be able to go on sleepovers. So when she finishes folding 1,000 paper stars, she wishes she can go to Korea and be someone else, be normal. But Yuna quickly learns her wish came true in the most shocking way—her halmoni has died and they need to go back to Korea for the funeral.
From being made of fun for my “smelly and weird” lunches to also having to abruptly go Korea for my own grandmother’s funeral, this graphic novel was such an emotional read for me. This was a thoughtful exploration of loss, grief, and identity through the lens of a young person. Even though the themes in here are heavy, they are handled with care and tenderness. I believe any person reading this, young or older, would feel safe in the hands of the author to explore what loss means, whether that is a family member or a sense of self. I think this book would be perfect for any young reader, but especially for the Korean-American girls out there who want to be seen.
The illustrations are gorgeous and I loved how memories of Yuna and others were differentiated by color palette. There is also a difference in font, depending on if the language being spoken was Korean or English. I did wish there was actual Korean text (Hangul) in here, but that’s not a knock to the author or this book. I’ve only seen this done once in another graphic novel, and I absolutely loved it (as it saved me from back-translating the English text into Korean). But regardless, I loved this one. It made me cry and most of all, it made me miss my halmoni.
I highly recommend this to any graphic novel lover, no matter the age.
Thank you the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
From being made of fun for my “smelly and weird” lunches to also having to abruptly go Korea for my own grandmother’s funeral, this graphic novel was such an emotional read for me. This was a thoughtful exploration of loss, grief, and identity through the lens of a young person. Even though the themes in here are heavy, they are handled with care and tenderness. I believe any person reading this, young or older, would feel safe in the hands of the author to explore what loss means, whether that is a family member or a sense of self. I think this book would be perfect for any young reader, but especially for the Korean-American girls out there who want to be seen.
The illustrations are gorgeous and I loved how memories of Yuna and others were differentiated by color palette. There is also a difference in font, depending on if the language being spoken was Korean or English. I did wish there was actual Korean text (Hangul) in here, but that’s not a knock to the author or this book. I’ve only seen this done once in another graphic novel, and I absolutely loved it (as it saved me from back-translating the English text into Korean). But regardless, I loved this one. It made me cry and most of all, it made me miss my halmoni.
I highly recommend this to any graphic novel lover, no matter the age.
Thank you the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2023
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Yuna lives with her younger sister Mina and her parents in the US. Her parents have come to the US from Korea, and hold on strongly to their cultural ways. This irritates Yuna when her parents won't let her have a phone, have sleepovers at classmates' homes, and pack her lunches that children at school think are "weird". She has quite a fight with her mother, and tells her that she throws away the carefully packed lunches every day. Her grandmother, who is still in Korea, taught Yuna that if she folded 1,000 paper stars, she could make a wish. Yuna does this, and wishes to move back to Korea with her parents so that she is seen as normal, but shortly afterwards word comes that Halmoni has died. The family travels back for the funeral, and Yuna is consumed with the idea that she cause Halmoni's death. She hasn't seen Halmoni since she was young, and had some unpleasant interactions with her that come back to haunt her. She was fearful of the texture of Halmoni's hands, which felt like paper to her, and she feels herself slowly turning to paper as guilt consumes her. The family goes through all of the funeral proceedings, but Yuna decides that if she can fold another 1,000 paper starts, she can bring her grandmother back. Because of family obligations, she is unable to do this, so feels even more guilty. Eventually, she admits her feelings to her mother, who helps her to understand that you can have disagreements with those who love you, and they will understand.
Strengths: The death of a grandparent who lives far away is very traumatic, and this is a good description of how a family deals with returnin home to honor a deceased relative. I enjoyed seeing glimpses of Halmoni's life, and also Yuna's interactions with her grandmother. Yuna's feelings of not belonging in the US, and then of not belonging in Korea, will be interesting to readers who feel that way, and informative to readers who feel firmly identified with just one culture. The illustrations style is pleasant, and makes it easier to see as Yuna's "paper" skin takes over. I liked that instructions on how to fold the stars was given at the end of the book, along with some personal notes from the author.
Weaknesses: While this seems solidly middle grade, it seemed odd that Yuna really seemed to believe that she could bring Halmoni back to life with her wish. This belief in magic usually ends in first or second grade, but Yuna really does seem to think that folding 1,000 stars will grant her a wish, and that her first wish resulted in her grandmother's death.
What I really think: Comparisons to Chanani's Pashmina or Wang's Stargazing are apt, and this will also be appreciated by readers who like the history in Ahn's A Spoonful of Time.
Yuna lives with her younger sister Mina and her parents in the US. Her parents have come to the US from Korea, and hold on strongly to their cultural ways. This irritates Yuna when her parents won't let her have a phone, have sleepovers at classmates' homes, and pack her lunches that children at school think are "weird". She has quite a fight with her mother, and tells her that she throws away the carefully packed lunches every day. Her grandmother, who is still in Korea, taught Yuna that if she folded 1,000 paper stars, she could make a wish. Yuna does this, and wishes to move back to Korea with her parents so that she is seen as normal, but shortly afterwards word comes that Halmoni has died. The family travels back for the funeral, and Yuna is consumed with the idea that she cause Halmoni's death. She hasn't seen Halmoni since she was young, and had some unpleasant interactions with her that come back to haunt her. She was fearful of the texture of Halmoni's hands, which felt like paper to her, and she feels herself slowly turning to paper as guilt consumes her. The family goes through all of the funeral proceedings, but Yuna decides that if she can fold another 1,000 paper starts, she can bring her grandmother back. Because of family obligations, she is unable to do this, so feels even more guilty. Eventually, she admits her feelings to her mother, who helps her to understand that you can have disagreements with those who love you, and they will understand.
Strengths: The death of a grandparent who lives far away is very traumatic, and this is a good description of how a family deals with returnin home to honor a deceased relative. I enjoyed seeing glimpses of Halmoni's life, and also Yuna's interactions with her grandmother. Yuna's feelings of not belonging in the US, and then of not belonging in Korea, will be interesting to readers who feel that way, and informative to readers who feel firmly identified with just one culture. The illustrations style is pleasant, and makes it easier to see as Yuna's "paper" skin takes over. I liked that instructions on how to fold the stars was given at the end of the book, along with some personal notes from the author.
Weaknesses: While this seems solidly middle grade, it seemed odd that Yuna really seemed to believe that she could bring Halmoni back to life with her wish. This belief in magic usually ends in first or second grade, but Yuna really does seem to think that folding 1,000 stars will grant her a wish, and that her first wish resulted in her grandmother's death.
What I really think: Comparisons to Chanani's Pashmina or Wang's Stargazing are apt, and this will also be appreciated by readers who like the history in Ahn's A Spoonful of Time.
September 2, 2023
78%
A story about a child of immigrants and the struggle to find somewhere they feel like they belong, because neither culture feels totally homely to them. As a child of immigrants, this story resonated with me, even if the 'mother' culture was different from my own - I think the general concept of searching for a place in society to call home is the same across the board.
~Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.~
A story about a child of immigrants and the struggle to find somewhere they feel like they belong, because neither culture feels totally homely to them. As a child of immigrants, this story resonated with me, even if the 'mother' culture was different from my own - I think the general concept of searching for a place in society to call home is the same across the board.
~Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.~
September 30, 2023
Really enjoyed this heartfelt and moving graphic novel. The illustrations were wonderful and the storyline was very special. I related a lot to the main character and understood all the emotions she was going through with the loss of her grandmother.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I think it would resonate with a lot of kids in my neighborhood who are second and third generation Asian Americans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I think it would resonate with a lot of kids in my neighborhood who are second and third generation Asian Americans.
May 28, 2024
A beautiful story about belonging, this graphic novel follows the daughter of Korean immigrants. She feels like she doesn't fit in with her American friends, but neither does she connect to her Korean roots. I really loved this book. It was so heartfelt.
August 7, 2023
This was a really cute and really moving middle grade graphic novel about grief and purpose and self-worth and what it's like to feel on the outside.
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September 27, 2023man this is a tearjerker
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November 16, 2023
So very sweet, and very heartbreaking.
September 17, 2024
Set in South Korea, this beautiful story is about family, loss, and connection.
l-n, s-n, v-n
l-n, s-n, v-n
October 26, 2023
Loved this! So touching. Recently got to see the author talk about it which was moved me to read it. Reminds me of When You Trap a Tiger.
July 30, 2023
When Yuma was young, her family moved from Korea to USA, but despite living in America for six years, Yuma still doesn't feel like she fits in. Her mom's home cooking and her family's strict rules make her feel like an outcast among her peers. But Yuma has a plan, and she won't stop folding stars until her wish comes true, just as her grandmother taught her. But when a wish goes horribly wrong, Yuma has to find a new definition of belonging.
This story blends a little bit of magic with a little bit of culture and a big part of what it means to grow up. Some of this I've heard before (many times), but I like the way this story unfolds to show that Yuma's assumptions and memories about her culture aren't the same when someone else describes them. The funeral scene was truly heart-wrenching, reminding us that stories live on even when our bodies pass away. The illustrations are simple yet lovely, creating a variety of moods with simple lines.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This story blends a little bit of magic with a little bit of culture and a big part of what it means to grow up. Some of this I've heard before (many times), but I like the way this story unfolds to show that Yuma's assumptions and memories about her culture aren't the same when someone else describes them. The funeral scene was truly heart-wrenching, reminding us that stories live on even when our bodies pass away. The illustrations are simple yet lovely, creating a variety of moods with simple lines.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2023
We're all human beings, made of paper, trying so hard not to tear apart in the wind. We're all fragile in some ways.
Recently, dealing with grief of my own, I've tried to stay away from stories about it because it can be too heavy for my fragile emotions. But sometimes I come across a story that makes me feel a little bit of comfort. And A Sky of Paper Stars was just that. It's a beautifully illustrated and written story of a child losing a grandparent after wishing for things to be different. Yuna attempts to make a thousand paper stars to first make the original wish and then another to reverse her wish. She struggles with all the grief before learning to heal. The story is told from a Korean immigrant viewpoint but grief and love are a universal language. I also really appreciated the paper stars tutorial at the end of the story. A Sky Full of Stars is a must-read.
***Thank you to Netgalley and Roaring Brook Press for providing me with a review copy.***
January 11, 2024
This is a lovely and heartfelt middle grade graphic novel that explores grief and disconnect through the lens of a tween girl named Yuna. Yuna is Korean American, but her Korean heritage always makes her feel weird and like an outcast, so she tries to hide it. Following an old folktale her halmoni taught her, Yuna folds 1,000 paper stars to make a wish that she can return to Korean where she'll fit in. The next day, Yuna learns that Halmoni has passed away and the family is going back to Korea for the funeral. Worried that she's ruined everything, Yuna sets out to fold 1,000 more paper stars to undo her wish before her halmoni is gone forever. The illustrations are really lovely and the metaphors are effective. Elements of magical realism round out this memorable read.
February 21, 2024
While reading this book, I felt a deep connection to Yuna's experience with losing her Halmoni ("grandma" in Korean). Although Yuna's history with her grandma was unfamiliar and almost nonexistent, the grieving and longing to change the past digs into my heart, almost a pain that I had long put aside. I never had a blood-related grandma involved in my life growing up; what I had was a grandma my mom took care of for her homecare services and she was my grandma. I remembered her generosity, hospitality, and just overall good hearted personality. She was the most welcoming person who not only treated my brother, mom, and me as her own family, but she was someone I regret not visiting more of before she passed. Busy with my own life and trying to find my way in this world, after high school and such, I did not visit her much during my college days. She passed from old age. But the guilt I had killed me slowly inside, that I vowed to spend as much time with my loved ones as much as I could, visiting my parents and brother when I had free time, seeing my best friend. You never know when you will lose someone you love, so I learned to make and appreciate the time I have with each and every one of them.
The wish to be with someone, but life and lifestyle takes over. I think a lot of books should speak about that. The feeling of guilt and grief of not spending enough time with someone due to everyone living their own lives. Not so much as to HOW to handle it, but to make it known that this is a thing, that this is something real that happens. I loved the quotes in the book, with Yuna's mom talking about her longing for home but not being able to do anything about this longing because she had life going on (had children and didn't make enough to go back to Korea every year). I think the author including this part in the book makes it so much relatable, because that's exactly what happened with my parents. Although I'm unsure of how they really feel with returning to China, I know for sure my mom longed for the simpler days, always laughing and talking about how growing up she would be running by the creeks and rivers catching fish with her siblings.
I recommend this book to children, because although young Yuna was seriously unappreciative with what she had and lacked sympathy, you can see Yuna learning to love the Korean part of herself, to love herself, and really appreciate her family. That things will pass, but that doesn't mean you cannot keep the person [Halmoni] alive in your hearts as you go through your days.
The wish to be with someone, but life and lifestyle takes over. I think a lot of books should speak about that. The feeling of guilt and grief of not spending enough time with someone due to everyone living their own lives. Not so much as to HOW to handle it, but to make it known that this is a thing, that this is something real that happens. I loved the quotes in the book, with Yuna's mom talking about her longing for home but not being able to do anything about this longing because she had life going on (had children and didn't make enough to go back to Korea every year). I think the author including this part in the book makes it so much relatable, because that's exactly what happened with my parents. Although I'm unsure of how they really feel with returning to China, I know for sure my mom longed for the simpler days, always laughing and talking about how growing up she would be running by the creeks and rivers catching fish with her siblings.
I recommend this book to children, because although young Yuna was seriously unappreciative with what she had and lacked sympathy, you can see Yuna learning to love the Korean part of herself, to love herself, and really appreciate her family. That things will pass, but that doesn't mean you cannot keep the person [Halmoni] alive in your hearts as you go through your days.
November 25, 2023
This was incredibly heartbreaking. I knew before going into this one that it was going to be an exploration of grief; however, I don't think I was expecting it be this sad.
A Sky of Paper Stars follows main character Yuna who is dealing with complicated feelings associated with her identity. She believes that things will be easier if she can return to Korea so she folds 1000 paper stars and makes a wish (something taught to her by her grandmother). Unfortunately, her wish comes true due to the passing of her grandmother. Traveling back to Korea brings up complicated feelings not only about Yuna's identity, but also the relationship she had with her grandmother. As she slowly begins to turn to paper, Yuna believes that if she folds 1000 more paper stars, she'll be able to bring back her grandmother.
What Worked: This was a good exploration of grief and identity. Yuna struggles with the guilt and shame she feels at not only making the wish, but also for not necessarily having the best relationship with her grandmother. She realizes that there were others who knew much more about her grandmother which causes her to regret not being able to spend more time with both her grandmother and other family members that still live in Korea. There were some realistic moments of what could go through a person's mind as they process grief that could be useful for younger readers who are experiencing loss for this first time. I also enjoyed the formatting and artwork in this one. I loved that each section of the book stood for a step in folding a paper star as well as the inclusion of different coloring for the flashback moments of memories that people shared about Yuna's grandmother.
what Didn't Work: I don't have many criticisms of this book; however, I wish that Yi would have explored the "paper" part a little more. As an adult, I was able to process that Yuna's transformation into paper was her guilt manifesting over a past incident with her grandmother; however, I'm not sure if that will be as clear to younger readers. It's a beautiful metaphor but seems like a lot to process without a discussion happening with a parent and/or caregiver.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to checking out Yi's other works.
A Sky of Paper Stars follows main character Yuna who is dealing with complicated feelings associated with her identity. She believes that things will be easier if she can return to Korea so she folds 1000 paper stars and makes a wish (something taught to her by her grandmother). Unfortunately, her wish comes true due to the passing of her grandmother. Traveling back to Korea brings up complicated feelings not only about Yuna's identity, but also the relationship she had with her grandmother. As she slowly begins to turn to paper, Yuna believes that if she folds 1000 more paper stars, she'll be able to bring back her grandmother.
What Worked: This was a good exploration of grief and identity. Yuna struggles with the guilt and shame she feels at not only making the wish, but also for not necessarily having the best relationship with her grandmother. She realizes that there were others who knew much more about her grandmother which causes her to regret not being able to spend more time with both her grandmother and other family members that still live in Korea. There were some realistic moments of what could go through a person's mind as they process grief that could be useful for younger readers who are experiencing loss for this first time. I also enjoyed the formatting and artwork in this one. I loved that each section of the book stood for a step in folding a paper star as well as the inclusion of different coloring for the flashback moments of memories that people shared about Yuna's grandmother.
what Didn't Work: I don't have many criticisms of this book; however, I wish that Yi would have explored the "paper" part a little more. As an adult, I was able to process that Yuna's transformation into paper was her guilt manifesting over a past incident with her grandmother; however, I'm not sure if that will be as clear to younger readers. It's a beautiful metaphor but seems like a lot to process without a discussion happening with a parent and/or caregiver.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to checking out Yi's other works.
April 12, 2024
"there's an old legend. if someone gathers 1,000 paper stars in a jar, that person can make a wish on the stars and it will come true."
💫 representation: Korean-American immigrant main character & her Korean family
💫 content warnings for: death, grief, fighting, panicking
i heard the legend of the 1,000 paper stars long ago. i first found it in a short comic from DeviantArt about an introverted girl who wishes for a friend (some of you may know it, it's called One Thousand Paper Stars). ever since then, this legend has become one of my favorites.
there are many things i could wish for: a library with a rolling ladder, to be friends with every wolf, to be completely cured of art block, a castle that tugs on the borders between dark academia and cottagecore-- but really i think i'd just wish for one more group hug with me and all of my friends to replicate how i felt back in seventh grade.
enough of my bleeding heart -- this was a beautiful story. admittedly, the cover and title were what drew me in (instructions on how to fold paper stars on the back were a lovely touch as well!), not the summary. the plot surprised me! it's difficult to write grief, especially in children, but i think it was done well here. Yuna is a believable middle schooler with flaws -- she's rude, emotional, and insecure...but she has a good heart. the struggle between accepting identity versus rejecting it was thoughtful, and grief on top of that made it a diverse, complicated depiction of a story that i think a lot of minority folks can relate to. my favorite part in the whole book was when Yuna ran out and her mom ran after her and caught her, metaphorically and physically in her grief. it was heart-wrenching and i,, i teared up. it made me feel so much, like i could feel their grief with them. and when Yuna's mom said she also tried finishing the paper stars? GAH-
A Sky of Paper Stars is nothing less of touching. we absolutely need more mother-daughter stories that focus on embracing the bittersweetness of imperfection, and never losing sight of love for each other despite it. a must-read for everyone!
~ Morgan Shadow 🐺👑🏹🌊💫
💫 representation: Korean-American immigrant main character & her Korean family
💫 content warnings for: death, grief, fighting, panicking
i heard the legend of the 1,000 paper stars long ago. i first found it in a short comic from DeviantArt about an introverted girl who wishes for a friend (some of you may know it, it's called One Thousand Paper Stars). ever since then, this legend has become one of my favorites.
there are many things i could wish for: a library with a rolling ladder, to be friends with every wolf, to be completely cured of art block, a castle that tugs on the borders between dark academia and cottagecore-- but really i think i'd just wish for one more group hug with me and all of my friends to replicate how i felt back in seventh grade.
enough of my bleeding heart -- this was a beautiful story. admittedly, the cover and title were what drew me in (instructions on how to fold paper stars on the back were a lovely touch as well!), not the summary. the plot surprised me! it's difficult to write grief, especially in children, but i think it was done well here. Yuna is a believable middle schooler with flaws -- she's rude, emotional, and insecure...but she has a good heart. the struggle between accepting identity versus rejecting it was thoughtful, and grief on top of that made it a diverse, complicated depiction of a story that i think a lot of minority folks can relate to. my favorite part in the whole book was when Yuna ran out and her mom ran after her and caught her, metaphorically and physically in her grief. it was heart-wrenching and i,, i teared up. it made me feel so much, like i could feel their grief with them. and when Yuna's mom said she also tried finishing the paper stars? GAH-
A Sky of Paper Stars is nothing less of touching. we absolutely need more mother-daughter stories that focus on embracing the bittersweetness of imperfection, and never losing sight of love for each other despite it. a must-read for everyone!
~ Morgan Shadow 🐺👑🏹🌊💫
October 2, 2023
“There’s an old legend. If someone gathers 1,000 paper stars in a jar, that person can make a wish on the stars and it will come true.”
Yuna doesn’t fit in. She brings different food to school, she’s not allowed to have a cellphone or go to sleepovers, and she doesn’t look like most of the kids either. When her Umma refuses to change her mind on her strict rules yet again, Yuna decides to take matters into her own hands. Remembering a legend her grandmother, Halmoni, told her, she folds 1,000 paper stars and wishes for her family to go back to Korea so she can just be normal. Except, her wish goes sideways and Yuna finds out only seconds later that Halmoni has died and they need to head to Korea for the funeral. Full of guilt, Yuna starts to turn into paper herself. With the clock ticking, Yuna has to figure out a way to undo her wish and bring Halmoni back—or turn into paper forever.
Susie Yi’s A SKY OF PAPER STARS is a sweet and compelling book about grief that packages it in such a digestible way for children. I absolutely loved the illustrations, especially Yi’s use of color for portraying memories and emotions. I literally could not put the book down and just wanted to keep turning page after page until I reached the end. It’s such a heart-warming story that even though it deals with a heavy topic, you’ll find yourself smiling most of the way through. Pick up a copy of this book ASAP, and I promise your heart will thank you.
Content Warnings: Death of a loved one, racism
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
Yuna doesn’t fit in. She brings different food to school, she’s not allowed to have a cellphone or go to sleepovers, and she doesn’t look like most of the kids either. When her Umma refuses to change her mind on her strict rules yet again, Yuna decides to take matters into her own hands. Remembering a legend her grandmother, Halmoni, told her, she folds 1,000 paper stars and wishes for her family to go back to Korea so she can just be normal. Except, her wish goes sideways and Yuna finds out only seconds later that Halmoni has died and they need to head to Korea for the funeral. Full of guilt, Yuna starts to turn into paper herself. With the clock ticking, Yuna has to figure out a way to undo her wish and bring Halmoni back—or turn into paper forever.
Susie Yi’s A SKY OF PAPER STARS is a sweet and compelling book about grief that packages it in such a digestible way for children. I absolutely loved the illustrations, especially Yi’s use of color for portraying memories and emotions. I literally could not put the book down and just wanted to keep turning page after page until I reached the end. It’s such a heart-warming story that even though it deals with a heavy topic, you’ll find yourself smiling most of the way through. Pick up a copy of this book ASAP, and I promise your heart will thank you.
Content Warnings: Death of a loved one, racism
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
May 8, 2024
This is the story of Yuna, who immigrated to the U.S. from Korea when she was little. But even after years of being in America, she still feels like she doesn't belong. Her mother packs her lunches and they're never like what the other kids eat. She's not allowed to have a cell phone or to go on sleepovers. All she wants is to be like everyone else, but that's not going to happen.
Yuna remembers a story from her grandmother about folding 1000 stars and getting your wish, so that's just what she does. 1000 stars all folded and she wishes for her family to go back to Korea. Then the family gets a call that the grandmother has died and they have to go to Korea for the services. Yuna's guilt over her wish is overwhelming.
Spending time with the larger family in Korea should have been everything Yuna wanted, but now the kids think she's too American and not Korean enough any more. And even worse, she seems to be turning to paper. She has to unwish and fast, before she blows away in the wind.
This looks at the discomfort a lot of kids feel when they're not fully one thing or another. They feel like they don't fit in any world. And the guilt and grief around Halmoni's death feels very much like it's coming from a middle-grader. It will be very relatable for a lot of people.
My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Yuna remembers a story from her grandmother about folding 1000 stars and getting your wish, so that's just what she does. 1000 stars all folded and she wishes for her family to go back to Korea. Then the family gets a call that the grandmother has died and they have to go to Korea for the services. Yuna's guilt over her wish is overwhelming.
Spending time with the larger family in Korea should have been everything Yuna wanted, but now the kids think she's too American and not Korean enough any more. And even worse, she seems to be turning to paper. She has to unwish and fast, before she blows away in the wind.
This looks at the discomfort a lot of kids feel when they're not fully one thing or another. They feel like they don't fit in any world. And the guilt and grief around Halmoni's death feels very much like it's coming from a middle-grader. It will be very relatable for a lot of people.
My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2023
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Yi introduces Yuna, a young girl who is struggling to fit in. Her classmates make fun of her and her relatives in Korea think she is an American. Readers will connect with her need to belong and feeling of being alone. One of the things her family has taught her is to make paper stars. Once you make 1000, you can make a wish. After a particularly tough day at school, Yuna counts her stars and finishes the thousand. She wishes to go back to Korea so she can find a home where she belongs. Sadly, her Halmoni (grandmother) passes away shortly after this wish. The family leaves quickly and Yuna blames herself for her wish causing Halmoni's death. Readers see glimpses of the funeral process. Yuna realizes if she makes another 1000 stars, she can wish for Halmoni to come back. As she listens and learns and meets so many people, she filters what they say through her lens of blame and grief. In the end, comes the understanding that Halmoni is gone from this earth but remains in hearts. I appreciate the return family visit to end the book.
Highly detailed illustrations capture the character emotions throughout. A tender look at grief, loneliness, guilt, and growth. Be sure to read the Author's Note for more information.
I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Yi introduces Yuna, a young girl who is struggling to fit in. Her classmates make fun of her and her relatives in Korea think she is an American. Readers will connect with her need to belong and feeling of being alone. One of the things her family has taught her is to make paper stars. Once you make 1000, you can make a wish. After a particularly tough day at school, Yuna counts her stars and finishes the thousand. She wishes to go back to Korea so she can find a home where she belongs. Sadly, her Halmoni (grandmother) passes away shortly after this wish. The family leaves quickly and Yuna blames herself for her wish causing Halmoni's death. Readers see glimpses of the funeral process. Yuna realizes if she makes another 1000 stars, she can wish for Halmoni to come back. As she listens and learns and meets so many people, she filters what they say through her lens of blame and grief. In the end, comes the understanding that Halmoni is gone from this earth but remains in hearts. I appreciate the return family visit to end the book.
Highly detailed illustrations capture the character emotions throughout. A tender look at grief, loneliness, guilt, and growth. Be sure to read the Author's Note for more information.
November 22, 2023
All Yuna wants is to fit in. She wants to go to sleepovers, have a “normal” American lunch, and go to summer camp - just like her friends. Her Halmoni (grandmother) told her a legend that if you fold 1,000 paper stars, you will be granted one wish.
When she reaches 1,000 paper stars, Yuna wishes for her family to move back to Korea, where she can finally be normal. Then her sister comes with devastating news that Halmoni has died and they must go back to Korea to attend the funeral.
From the first page, this book bleeds emotions. The story centers around mother's love in different ways, even if it looks like being solely strict. While teaching how to fold paper stars throughout the story, Yi covers heritage, family and belonging in the most vulnerable way that made me yearn for my mother with a heart full of gratitude.
Based on Korean folklore and the author's own childhood memories, this middle grade graphic novel is stunning and heartfelt. A book that I cherish and hope everyone reads!
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Mackids books . All opinions are my own ]
When she reaches 1,000 paper stars, Yuna wishes for her family to move back to Korea, where she can finally be normal. Then her sister comes with devastating news that Halmoni has died and they must go back to Korea to attend the funeral.
From the first page, this book bleeds emotions. The story centers around mother's love in different ways, even if it looks like being solely strict. While teaching how to fold paper stars throughout the story, Yi covers heritage, family and belonging in the most vulnerable way that made me yearn for my mother with a heart full of gratitude.
Based on Korean folklore and the author's own childhood memories, this middle grade graphic novel is stunning and heartfelt. A book that I cherish and hope everyone reads!
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Mackids books . All opinions are my own ]
December 10, 2023
A Sky if Paper Stars is based on an old legend. If someone folds and gathers 1,000 paper stars in a jar, that person can make a wish on the stars and it will come true.
Yuna desperately wants to fit in. But let’s face it, she’s different. She brings different food to school, she’s not allowed to have a cellphone or go to sleepovers, and she doesn’t look like most of the other kids. Her Umma is dead set on abiding by her strict rules, so Yuna decides to take matters into her own hands. Remembering a legend her grandmother, Halmoni, told her, she folds 1,000 paper stars and wishes for her family to go back to Korea so she can just be a normal kid in Korea. Except, her wish goes sideways and Yuna finds out only seconds later that Halmoni has died and they need to head to Korea for the funeral. Yuna knows Halmoi had died due to her wish. With the clock ticking, Yuna has to figure out a way to undo her wish and bring Halmoni back.
This is a sweet and compelling book about grief. The illustrations are amazing, especially Yi’s use of color for portraying memories and emotions. Yums’s story is heart-warming even though it deals with a heavy topic,
Yuna desperately wants to fit in. But let’s face it, she’s different. She brings different food to school, she’s not allowed to have a cellphone or go to sleepovers, and she doesn’t look like most of the other kids. Her Umma is dead set on abiding by her strict rules, so Yuna decides to take matters into her own hands. Remembering a legend her grandmother, Halmoni, told her, she folds 1,000 paper stars and wishes for her family to go back to Korea so she can just be a normal kid in Korea. Except, her wish goes sideways and Yuna finds out only seconds later that Halmoni has died and they need to head to Korea for the funeral. Yuna knows Halmoi had died due to her wish. With the clock ticking, Yuna has to figure out a way to undo her wish and bring Halmoni back.
This is a sweet and compelling book about grief. The illustrations are amazing, especially Yi’s use of color for portraying memories and emotions. Yums’s story is heart-warming even though it deals with a heavy topic,
November 8, 2023
For middle school grader Yuna, fitting in with friends doesn’t help her. With her mother’s home-cooked Korean food, the kids at school make fun of her for its smells and looks. At home, Yuna officially makes 1000 stars to make a wish, but her wish changes things. Her family travels to South Korea for her grandmother’s funeral, and Yuna receives a culture shock of how different Korea is from America. Visiting family and trying to make another 1000 stars, Yuna’s desperate to get her grandmother back. But with limited time, Yuna struggles to find herself in a land of her past.
Tragic and yet heartwarming at times, this graphic novel tugs at one’s heartstrings. Yuna is a young girl who loves making paper stars and hopes to wish for something great. The flashbacks in the sepia tone and the colors of the authentic Korean food are lovely. Readers will love reading about the sights and sounds of rural and city folk of South Korea. It is a tale of heartbreak, sisterhood, and what family truly means.
Tragic and yet heartwarming at times, this graphic novel tugs at one’s heartstrings. Yuna is a young girl who loves making paper stars and hopes to wish for something great. The flashbacks in the sepia tone and the colors of the authentic Korean food are lovely. Readers will love reading about the sights and sounds of rural and city folk of South Korea. It is a tale of heartbreak, sisterhood, and what family truly means.
October 10, 2023
“There’s an old legend. If someone gathers 1,000 paper stars in a jar, that person can make a wish on the stars and it will come true.”
Yuna doesn’t fit in. She brings different food to school, she’s not allowed to have a cellphone or go to sleepovers, and she doesn’t look like most of the kids either. When her Umma refuses to change her mind on her strict rules yet again, Yuna decides to take matters into her own hands. Remembering a legend her grandmother, Halmoni, told her, she folds 1,000 paper stars and wishes for her family to go back to Korea so she can just be normal. Except, her wish goes sideways and Yuna finds out only seconds later that Halmoni has died and they need to head to Korea for the funeral. Full of guilt, Yuna starts to turn into paper herself. With the clock ticking, Yuna has to figure out a way to undo her wish and bring Halmoni back—or turn into paper forever. Susie Yi’s A SKY OF PAPER STARS is a sweet and compelling book about grief that packages it in such a digestible way for children. I absolutely loved the illustrations, especially Yi’s use of color for portraying memories and emotions. I literally could not put the book down and just wanted to keep turning page after page until I reached the end. It’s such a heart-warming story that even though it deals with a heavy topic, you’ll find yourself smiling most of the way through. Pick up a copy of this book ASAP, and I promise your heart will thank you.
Content Warnings: Death of a loved one, racism
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
Yuna doesn’t fit in. She brings different food to school, she’s not allowed to have a cellphone or go to sleepovers, and she doesn’t look like most of the kids either. When her Umma refuses to change her mind on her strict rules yet again, Yuna decides to take matters into her own hands. Remembering a legend her grandmother, Halmoni, told her, she folds 1,000 paper stars and wishes for her family to go back to Korea so she can just be normal. Except, her wish goes sideways and Yuna finds out only seconds later that Halmoni has died and they need to head to Korea for the funeral. Full of guilt, Yuna starts to turn into paper herself. With the clock ticking, Yuna has to figure out a way to undo her wish and bring Halmoni back—or turn into paper forever. Susie Yi’s A SKY OF PAPER STARS is a sweet and compelling book about grief that packages it in such a digestible way for children. I absolutely loved the illustrations, especially Yi’s use of color for portraying memories and emotions. I literally could not put the book down and just wanted to keep turning page after page until I reached the end. It’s such a heart-warming story that even though it deals with a heavy topic, you’ll find yourself smiling most of the way through. Pick up a copy of this book ASAP, and I promise your heart will thank you.
Content Warnings: Death of a loved one, racism
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
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