In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O'Brien

Looking for something different?  In the sea of young adult novels, that starts to seem somewhat usual, this book is nothing like you've read before.  It's set in North Korea - I've never read a book with this setting before.  Definitely intriguing!

In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O'Brien came with the fall Scholastic Book Fair Preview Pack I ordered.  I did enjoy it.  It's definitely got the adventure and drama in it.  Some parts get a little bogged down, but I think it was the author's intent to make sure the voices of the North Korean citizens and Mia, the main character, got heard.  Mia is South Korean, and was adopted when she was a baby.  The author adopted a Korean girl, and knows the struggles these young teens face when trying to fit in to an American family.

The story starts with Mia, her brother, and father on tour in North Korea.  The mother was going to go, but the grandmother got sick and she needed to stay behind to take care of her.  During the structured tour, Mia's dad is arrested.  Mia and her brother escape and decide to make it to safety at the Chinese border.  Their journey is dangerous, but through it they discover their insecurities and help each other become stronger.  I won't give away too much of the story!

I would recommend this book especially to those looking for something unique, especially where the story takes place.  North Korea is in the news, and this novel could help us see their country through their eyes.