Swiatkowska's stunningly spare, almost surrealistic paintings enhance the story's message. In the end, she comes to accept both her English name and her new American self, recognizing that however it is written, she is still Yoon. Finally, she pretends she is "CUPCAKE," an identity that would allow her to gain the acceptance of her classmates. As "BIRD," she imagines herself flying back to Korea. Calling herself "CAT," she dreams of hiding in a corner and cuddling with her mother. Although her teacher encourages her to practice writing "Yoon," the child substitutes other words for her name, words that better express her inner fears and hopes. Still, she struggles to please her parents by learning an unfamiliar language while surrounded by strangers. Yoon, or "Shining Wisdom," decides that her name looks much happier written in Korean than in English ("I did not like YOON. Kindergarten-Grade 2-With subtle grace, this moving story depicts a Korean girl's difficult adjustment to her new life in America. Recorvits lives in North Scituate, Rhode Island. Swiatkowska received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award for her artwork. My Name Is Yoon was named an ALA Notable Book, among other honors, and Ms. HELEN RECORVITS and GABI SWIATKOWSKA have collaborated on three books about Yoon.
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