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A 2024 Freeman Book Awards for Children’s and Young Adult Literature on East and Southeast Asia “Of Note” Title

“A California girl makes an unexpected friend during a summer abroad visiting relatives in Seoul…Apt details of contemporary Korean life are woven naturally throughout the narrative, and the well-rounded characters are welcome representations of the diversity of modern-day Korean youth. Fantastical elements are seamlessly woven into this engaging, entertaining story…A universal coming-of-age tale becomes extraordinary through an encounter with Korean folk magic.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

A Brush with Magic

Written by Flora Ahn
Published by Quirk Books

What if an ancient ink brush, oceans away in Korea, could unlock long-buried family secrets?

It’s finally summer break, and twelve-year-old Yumi is headed to Korea with her older sister, Minji, for the very first time. She can’t wait to explore the city of Seoul together—but Minji has other plans. The moment they land, Minji ditches Yumi to hang out with their cousins, who are more fashionable, better at soccer, and all-around cooler than Yumi. Lost and alone, Yumi is stuck at home painting with her grandfather.

Everything changes when she finds an intriguing ink brush in a neighborhood art shop—and accidentally summons a creature straight out of her grandfather’s retellings of Korean fairy tales. With a new friend by her side and an ink brush that has the power to bring anything she paints to life, Yumi feels unstoppable. From bustling street markets and ancient palaces to riding the subway, Yumi and her friend explore everything Seoul has to offer.

But when the magic takes a dark turn, Yumi must dig deep to hear her own voice and protect the family she loves—even if they don’t always understand each other.

Primary ISBN: 9781683693208
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (California), Korea (Seoul)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation, Home Country

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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