Book Review: When My Name was Keoko

Discussing the role of imperialism in American history is crucial to understanding the development of our country in the late eighteenth century.  Lessons involving the acquisition of Alaska, the annexation of Hawaii and the Spanish American War usually revolve around the morality behind colonial empires and the dangers of imperialism. I recommend reading When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park when studying imperialism.  It is the story of a family in Korea that struggles with Japanese occupation during World War II. It delves into the internal struggles behind an oppressive colonial power and exposes the brutal effects imperialism has on ordinary people.  The novel includes the bombing of Pearl Harbor, a secret resistance,  the changing of school practices and a fantastic overview of Korean culture.