Project Mulberry
By Linda Sue Park
Published by Random House Publishers
“There’s no easy resolution, but the unforgettable family and friendship story, the quiet, almost unspoken racism, and the excitement of the science make this a great cross-curriculum title.” —Hazel Rochman, Booklist
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Description
Julia Song and her friend Patrick want to team up to win a blue ribbon at the state fair, but they can’t agree on the perfect project. Then
Julia’s mother suggests they raise silkworms as she did years ago in Korea. The optimistic twosome quickly realizes that raising silkworms is a lot tougher than they thought. And Julia never suspected that she’d be discussing the fate of her and Patrick’s project with Ms. Park, the author of this book!
Reviews & Accolades
“Julia explores her anxiety about being “too Korean” and the confusing attitude about race that she sees when her mother meets Mr. Dixon, the older African-American man who generously shares his mulberry leaves with the children. The warm friendship between the two friends is the real story here-they work together, learn about silk, worms, embroidery, kimchee and life, make decisions about life and death (of the worms) and even learn to appreciate their sometimes irritating siblings. A rich work that treats serious issues with warmth, respect and a good deal of humor.” —Kirkus Reviews
“There are big issues in Park’s latest novel–conservation, prejudice, patriotism, biology, and more. But the Newbery-winning writer never allows them to swamp the story; in fact, it’s the compelling characters and their passionate differences and commitments that drive the plot…There’s no easy resolution, but the unforgettable family and friendship story, the quiet, almost unspoken racism, and the excitement of the science make this a great cross-curriculum title.” —Hazel Rochman, Booklist
“Park creates a Korean-American seventh-grader so lifelike she jumps off the page….introduces many issues relevant to budding adolescents.” —Publishers Weekly
Groups Represented
Korean
Korea-American
African-American
Themes
Cultural background, multicultural friendships, racism, family relationships, scientific process, writing process
Setting
Suburban Illinois
Author Research
TBA
Engagement Projects
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