I felt like every few pages this books taught me something new and shocking. I realized I had very little understanding of the recent experiences of Korean people and what they're going through. It was often heartbreaking but I'm so glad I read this book.

Stars: 5 for beautiful illustrations and a story that is not familiar to American YA and middle grade readers (yet). The last star for a 5 is in the ability to use this in your English or social studies classroom as a learning resource.

My Thoughts:
The marketers say this book is similar to Illegal and When Stars are Scattered which are both about harrowing immigration stories. Besides the topic of migration, these are all graphic novels told from the point of view of young people who are searching for families and/or searching for better lives. In addition, the three of these are atypical in that they are not coming from Central or South America.

In this case, the story is told by two narrators, Yunho, whose mother escaped to China and Myunghee. The two are seen separately at first as they care for an elder, but they soon start traveling together to escape from North Korea.

Yunho does eventually find his mother, and the three of them stick together, but the ups and downs in this graphic novel are just stressful. Just when things seem to be looking up, and even when they are in other countries, horrible things happen.

Like the other books, the historical (maybe contemporary) non fiction in this will help students get interested in researching more. The other aspect of this particular graphic novel is the striking artwork. Artwork is its own form of text. If teachers want to learn more about that, check my post on the picture book Where Butterflies Fill the Sky. There is a link to learn more about enhancing literary engagement though pictures and graphics using the peritextual literacy framework.

Finally, the graphics are so stunning because they are by Deb J.J. Lee. If you have not read Lee's graphic memoir, In Limbo, well you must. Their tone comes through in their use of light and dark shades, white and black spaces. All of that skill is brought to this graphic novel too which is why it is so stunning. I did not even realize that this is a graphic novel in verse because the pictures tell the story first and then I read the words.

From the Publisher:
Perfect for fans of Illegal and When Stars Are Scattered, this poignant and moving graphic novel in verse captures the dangers and hope that come with fleeing North Korea and reaching for a brighter future through the lives of Yunho and Myunghee.

From never knowing where they’ll find their next meal to avoiding soldiers lurking at every corner, many North Koreans have learned that sticking around can be just as deadly as attempting to flee . . . almost.

Both shy, resourceful Yunho and fierce, vibrant Myunghee know this. So when they each resolve to run away from the bleak futures they face, it’s with the knowledge that they could be facing a fate worse than death.

While Yunho hopes to reunite with his omma, who snuck across the border years ago, Myunghee is reaching for dreams that are bigger than anything the regime would allow her to have. The two are strangers to each other until a chance encounter unwittingly intertwines their fates and Myunghee saves Yunho’s life.

Kept together by their dreams for a brighter future, they face a road plagued by poisonous jungle snakes, corrupt soldiers, and the daily fear of discovery and imprisonment. But with every step toward freedom, there is also hope. Will it be enough for both of them to make it to safety without losing each other along the way?



Publication Information:

Author: Tina Cho

Illustrator: Deb JJ Lee

Publisher: HarperAlley (November 12, 2024)

Paperback: 224 pages

Grades: 3-7

This is a real good story about the harsh conditions inside North Korea, & what an attempt to leave there looks like. It probably deserves 4-5 stars for it's content.... I liked the artwork & colors used & the forthright description of life there, but initially got kind of confused between the 2 main characters.....I got that straightened out about half way through....thus the 3 star review. I especially like the 'Note on North Korean History' at the end of the book......very good, easily understood explanation. I highly recommend this book to everyone, youth & adult!
I received an e-copy of the book from publisher HarperCollins Children's Books/Harper Alley via NetGalley for review purposes. This is my own fair/honest opinion/review.

This beautiful graphic novel is about two children who flee to North Korean. The boy Yunho goes to join his mother in China, and the girl is an orphan after her grandmother dies. There is a lot of action as they eventually all join together to come to America. The characterization is so good, and the artwork is magnificent. The drab colors of North Korea and the children's bits of joy in life. The contrast in color when the are in the bright greenery of Thailand and Laos are riveting. Lee's artwork can have a fever dream feel that captures how unreal life feels for these kids.

‘The Other Side of Tomorrow’ by Tina Cho with illustrations by Deb J.J. Lee is a graphic novel for young readers telling the story of a boy and a girl trying to escape from North Korea.

Yunho and Myunghee both live in North Korea but have different goals for leaving. Their stories are told in alternating chapters. Yunho wants to reunite with his omma who left years ago and Myunghee dreams of a life not remotely possible where she lives. Both face food shortages and the terror of an oppressive government. They both make the treacherous river crossing to China but they have different experiences until their journeys unite. Now they have to somehow cross more borders until they are safe, or caught and imprisoned.

This is a poignant and powerful story with really great art. It is never stated if this is based on a true story, but it has a ring of truth to it. What stands out are the tenacity and hope of the main characters. Making this a true must-read.

In a Nutshell: A middle-grade graphic novel written in verse, telling the story of two tweens from North Korea and their planned escape to a brighter future. I wanted to like this far more than I did, but a few of the writing choices didn’t work for me. The illustrations are stunning. The book has some dark content, so it would be better if adults read and evaluate its suitability for their kids before handing it over.

Plot Preview:
2013, North Korea. Yunho is a shy ten-year-old who stays alone with his grandmother after his mother escaped across the border to China to earn money and improve their circumstances. She had promised to send for Yunho as soon as possible, but it has been almost two years now with no update. Yunho is good at finding scrap metal, which he sells to the government in exchange for some much-needed money.
Eleven-year-old Myunghee is an independent school dropout who scavenges the mountainside for wild roots and vegetables, and trades them in the market. She lived with her ailing grandmother, but after the latter’s death, Myunghee is all alone.
Circumstances throw Yunho and Myunghee together, first at an horrifying public event, and then as part of a group with a common dream – escape. With the help of a pastor and some local agents, the group travels through four countries until they can apply for asylum. The journey is fraught with danger, but is it better to chance death while running towards a brighter future, or to stay in a country where there is no future?
The story is written in the alternating first-person perspectives of the two kids.

A book based on two young children fending for themselves in the totalitarian regime of North Korea has to have tremendous merit. Through this graphic novel, we get a glimpse of how rigid the governmental regulations are, how tough it is for the less-fortunate citizens of the country to survive, and how little the residents can trust anyone around them for fear of being reported, or worse, killed.

Most of us don’t know much about life in that closed dictatorship, so this book offers a gritty look at the situation there. The plot captures the restrictive atmosphere and the fear of the people perfectly. It also depicts the citizens’ external subservience to the regime’s dictates, even if they believe something else within. It is easy for us outsiders to question why these people are blind to their woes and why they don’t protest or overthrow the dictators, but only if we ourselves were in that position would we be able to accept that sometimes, surviving means compromising on many accounts, including rebellious tendencies and ethics. If nothing else, the story generates a sense of gratitude for our privileged life, and makes us appreciative of the freedom we take for granted.

While opting for this graphic novel, I hadn’t realised that it was written in verse. I am not comfortable with poetry in any form, so I read the text as ordinary prose and it worked well enough for me. I did see glimpses of a poetic writing style, with some words strung together in a harmonious repetition to deliver a greater impact. Beyond this, I have no comment to make on the poetic merit of this work. That said, the ‘verse’ factor might work against the book; not many readers, regardless of age group, readily opt for books written in verse.

The story journeys through five countries, just like our main characters do. The first part, set in North Korea, is the lengthiest and the most impactful. The middle three sections (covering China, Laos, and Thailand) are good but not extensive. The plot feels somewhat rushed here. The final section is based in the USA, the weakest subset of the book. I am familiar with Southeast Asia, so it was easy for me to keep track of the characters’ escape through multiple countries. But to western readers, including a map might have been helpful.

The illustrations are stunning, as can be seen from that gorgeous cover art. The graphics seem to be shaded in a kind of watercolour effect, so the art appears as fluid as the verses. The expressions on the characters’ faces is especially praise-worthy; we can actually feel their emotional vulnerability in many of the panels.

A special note at the end provides details on North Korean history – this is brilliant.

While the core plot definitely worked for me, some of the writing decisions left me dissatisfied.
- I didn’t expect to see strong Christian content in this book. Having a pastor as one of the rescuers meant that some lines were deeply rooted in belief, which was fine. But going much beyond those scenes to establish the power of faith in the Christian God as being essential in their escape? I don’t know how to feel about that. In such a grounded story, adding the faith component wasn’t necessary, even if some refugees would certainly lean on faith to guide them to safety. Considering the universality of the story, I think the book should have focussed more on the practical resilience of the characters than on their spiritual enlightenment. Alternatively, the blurb should have clearly indicated the faith-based content so that readers can take a call with complete information. (Note: Practising Christian here. So no, this feedback has nothing to do with my own faith.)
- There are a few scary sequences that might be triggering to sensitive younger readers. I understand that this is based in reality, but a certain dilution of the extreme events such as the public execution would have been better.
- Having two POVs in first person is not a great idea for middle-grade books, especially when each perspective lasts barely a couple of pages. The frequent swap in perspective can get confusing.
- There is a certain idealisation of asylum life in the USA. The characters seem to get an almost instant resolution for all their needs there, and they don’t face any racial or other discrimination. It is too smooth to be believable. This especially jars when we remember that, though the story is set in 2013, the book is coming out in 2024, and everyone knows what the dominant rhetoric of the upcoming US president is.

All in all, I did love the idea behind this story, and I learnt a lot of life in North Korea. I just wish the issues mentioned above had been handled better. Regardless, this is a great option for anyone wanting an OwnVoices middle-grade option about one of the most restrictive countries in the world. Do note that the content gets quite intense at times. Parents/guardians/teachers, please read this book first and judge its suitability for the little ones in your life.

3.75 stars.

My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and HarperAlley for providing the DRC of “The Other Side of Tomorrow” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#TheOtherSideofTomorow tells the fictionalized story of two young North Korean children Yunho and Myunghee. Their paths cross as they flee from North Korea to China and finally to Laos. This book explores the actual historical experiences and time period, but it does so in a way that is appropriate for middle schoolers and definitely for high schoolers. The colors and panels are creative and engaging and add detail and meaning to the story itself. As one description says, it's good for fans of Illegal and When Stars Are Scattered. A good purchase for any middle and high school library. Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for this copy!

Tina Cho's storytelling + Deb JJ Lee's art = a true art piece of a graphic novel. I was fully immersed in the journey of Yungho and Myunghee throughout this novel, my heart sinking and swelling with all the ups and downs. The depth and care put into their story shine so brightly, both in the character growth and Lee's vibrant illustrations. I will be buying this book both to read and to just open it up and admire the artwork from time to time.

While North Korea looms large in the international world of war possibilities, we know so very little about what life is really like. I have avidly read anything that comes across my path so that I can get a better picture of North Korean life, culture, and people. The politics are all too well known.
I have read similar escape stories and this tale and the route they took feels very authentic. Having the visuals makes it even more compelling and accessible to a wider range of readers. Any book that sheds light on North Korea is greatly appreciated and this one is detailed and will affect any reader emotionally as well. It is suitable both for the reader who knows something about North Korea and the reader who knows virtually nothing. And it will give you a whole new appreciation for refugees.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this important book. I can't wait to see it in every school library!

The Other Side of Tomorrow is a gripping contemporary story that shows the authentic struggles of families torn apart by an oppressive regime. Tina Cho has masterfully written lyrical prose that draws readers into the story and keeps the reader in suspense, predicting and wondering what will happen next. The characters' different points of view help readers better understand the complexities of being a North Korean refugee.

The book addresses important themes, such as multigenerational relationships, the heart-wrenching decisions when deciding between loyalty to family while searching for freedom and struggling to survive, and the sacrifices Asian parents make to seek a better life. The stunning illustrations further enhance the story and bring to life this unique story about helpers on the Asian underground railroad.

I highly recommend getting a copy of this compelling graphic novel that will build empathy, compassion, and bring awareness to the plight of refugees today.

I want to thank the publisher for a digital advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The moving and dramatic account of two very different twelve-year-olds is told in parallel diary entries, and shown in lovely, crisp, various-sized panels, filled with detail. While nature is still beautiful in 2013 North Korea, grinding poverty, fear, and hopelessness have drained the world of bright color. Moments of imagination and emotional connection brighten and deepen the hues, cluing the reader to the powerful effect hope has on both shy and obedient Yunho, and determined and spunky Myunghee. The two encounter each other repeatedly in moments of crisis, eventually becoming companions on an epic journey. Broken into five substantial chapters, set in five countries, the impact of bad politics looms large: famine, tyranny, and  intolerance. Their emotional lives also take center stage, as they struggle with jealousy, guilt, anger, doubt, and the surprising difficulty of freedom. Back matter includes a brief primer on North Korean history and on the Asian underground railroad. Virtually all characters are Asian, from Korea, China, Laos, Thailand, and the U.S. Thanks to Harper Alley and NetGalley for a review copy in return for an unbiased review..

4. First of all, I love the art! The palette is great at matching the mood. There is always something to look more closely at. Students will enjoy the visual quality and format, I love the characters telling the story. The interweaving of their voices and points of view add depth. The journey of the children and the various people who help and hinder them give plenty of material for classroom discussion. I feel that I should mention the characters are helped by a church group and there is some discussion of Christian ideas. However, this is clearly a nonfiction recounting, and religious beliefs of any type can be mentioned as a way refugees, and others, cope with difficult situations. Students who liked, “When Stars are Scattered” and “The Red Pencil” will like this one, too.

This book is great for middle schoolers who want to learn more about the history of North and South Korea. It also provides insight to the adversity and rights that were limited to North Koreans. This allows for readers to understand why asylum and being a refugee in another country serves as great aid to those escaping dictatorships.

I knew this would be beautiful, but Deb still blew me away with their art. And I love that the story was in verse, too. Such a heartbreaking book, but I’m thankful it’s out in the world to bring awareness to what refugees go through to survive.

The Other Side of Tomorrow tells the story of two North Korean children, Yunho and Myunghee, and their search for family and freedom. The chapters alternate between their points of view, a first for me in a graphic novel. Being caught up in the story, I didn't notice this until their stories intersected, at which point I had to go back to begin again. Yet every minute spent with these two was worth it, and I don't want to give any spoilers, except to say that the character of the pastor and the themes of forgiveness made this book a must-add to the classroom library shelves of my Christian school.

In looking up whether this book was fact or fiction, I came across Cho's post on Harper Stacks where she recounts how she first learned about the Asian Underground Railroad working to rescue North Koreans. While living in South Korea, she became aware of the refugee crisis hearing pastors preaching about the work of organizations trying to help. Just as Cho didn't know of these stories before working with these aid groups, I know her graphic novel will be revelatory to my students as they discover a refugee crisis previously unknown to them, just as I did.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Being a fan of Deb J.J. Lee's illustrations, I knew I would love The Other Side of Tomorrow. Predictably, it has a beautiful art style and striking panel composition. There's both a sense of movement and lyricism in its lay out and color. Additionally, the story of The Other Side of Tomorrow is moving. It's a story about love and perseverance, but also the burdens children should never have to bear. They grow up in a moment as they balance their own loss with the challenges to come.

Myunghee and Yunho are youths who have seen what no child their age should ever see - deaths of most of their family members including executions at the hands of the generalissimo. Alas, this is life in 2013 North Korea where every home must display a portrait of the dictator or suffer the consequences, including execution. One of the youths is left an orphan; the other makes it a goal to run away to their omma (mother) who has sought refuge in China. By happenstance, Myunghee and Yunho are brought together for the same goal – to escape North Korea in hopes of a better life in another country. Through the rivers, mountains, and jungles they bravely and narrowly escape soldiers who have no qualms of executing them on the spot if discovered. Will they finally make it to their destination alive?

I have read several graphic novels based on North Korean life. It is so unfathomable to me what the people must endure as I relish my freedoms and democracy. Inarguably, dictatorship and communism are ugly. I can understand why the U.S. fought in the Korean War to prevent the reunification of the Korean peninsula. This story makes me incredibly sad, whether it is based on truths or fabrication or exaggeration. I can only be relieved for my Korean friends who live in the safety of my country.

This stunning graphic novel deals with escaping North Korea from the POV of two children with grace. Children reading this graphic novel will relate to Yunho and Myunghee while also learning about the heartbreak, yearning, fear, and hunger that make up their existence. The visuals are breathtaking and the writing is lyrical, yet very approachable.

This is an excellent addition to any collection and will be added to my school library.

Thank you to Net Galley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and HarperAlley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

What a heartwarming/ heartbreaking yet beautiful tale. The illustrations are like a dream but the themes are so poignant and the characters so lovable and real.
I will definitely recommend it.

It’s 2013, and both Yuhno and Myunghee live in North Korea where you never know when you’ll run into a soldier. Both are determined to escape; Yuhno hopes to reunited with his omma, Myunghee wants to pursue dreams she won’t be able to in North Korea. When Myunghee saves Yuhno’s life, the two start on a journey to freedom.

However, the journey to freedom and safety is a treacherous one. Will they both make it to their destination before something else gets to them?

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for an advanced copy of The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho to review! One of the things that drew me to this graphic novel was the art on the cover by Deb JJ Lee. It is stunning, just like the art in the rest of the book. There are some truly beautiful panels in this book, even if the story itself isn’t always the most beautiful.

Reading this, you might think that it happened a long time ago, but it isn’t as long ago as you might think. Because North Korea is so closed off from the rest of the world, it isn’t focused on as much in history or social studies classes. Putting this story in graphic novel form definitely makes it accessible to teens, and the story is sure to hook you from the beginning.

The emotions throughout this journey also come through beautifully. It’s not an easy subject to tackle, and Cho and Lee do it in a way that is easily accessible for teens and adults alike. Definitely a heart-wrenching, gripping story you’ll want to have on your TBR!