Finding Junie Kim

Twelve-year-old Junie really wants to fit in at school, but she faces bullying and racism. When her friends speak out about racist acts at their school Junie is torn between staying quiet or joining her friends. It’s not until Junie works on a school assignment—to interview someone from a different generation—that she gains the confidence to speak against racism as she learns of her grandparents’ experiences during the Korean War. This engaging middle school novel explores bullying, racism, and mental health, and can be useful as a novel study and to support learning about cultures and viewpoints. Social considerations noted; mature and sensitive content.