The Firekeeper's Son

Citation:

Park, Linda Sue. 2003. The Firekeeper's Son. Ill. by Julie Downing. New York: Clarion.

ISBN 9780547237695

Summary:

In Korea during the eighteenth century, Sang-hee’s father has the task of lighting the fire on the nearest mountain to signal peace to the king. If the fire is not lit, the king will understand there is an enemy threat and will in turn send soldiers to Sang-hee’s village to help. When Sang-hee’s father injures his ankle on his way to light the fire, Sang-hee must light the flame.

Critical Analysis: 

While the characters in Linda Sue Park’s The Firekeeper’s Son are fictional, the historical fires are not. Set in eighteenth century Korea, The Firekeeper’s Son is a story based upon a historically accurate tradition with authentic cultural markers throughout the text and illustrations. Park’s descriptions are detailed and expressive, particularly when she uses similes (ex. “Our part of Korea is like a dragon with many humps.” p. 9). A helpful Author’s Note is included at the conclusion of the story which furthers the credibility of the story and allows the reader to make important connections to this interesting element of Korean history.

Artist, Julie Downing illustrates this tale beautifully. Her watercolors are vivid and eloquent with accurate character portrayals and the panoramic landscapes are impressive. Clothing is accurate to the time period and culture, for example Sang-lee’s father is wearing a straw satgat in several illustrations and Sang-lee is depicted wearing a traditional tunic. Facial features are detailed and accurate and there is an obvious attention to detail in hair color and styles as they relate to Korean culture. The illustrations detailing the flames of the bonfire and its embers contrast well with the dark blue coloring of the night and vibrant orange and yellow embers seem to glow among the surrounding hues.

 

Review Excerpt(s):

“Downing's handsome, watercolor-and-pastel double-page pictures personalize the history, showing realistic close-ups of the child, who plays soldiers and dreams of the excitement of battle.”

 ~ Booklist, February 2004

“Children will be intrigued by this early form of wireless communication, caught up in the riveting dilemma, and satisfied by the resolution.”

~School Library Journal

Connections:

Other books by Linda Sue Park:

Park, Linda Sue. 1999. Seesaw Girl. Ill. by Jean Tseng and Mou-Sien Tseng. New York: Clarion.

ISBN 9780547248882

Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A Single Shard. New York: Clarion ISBN 9780547534268

Classroom Activity: Pair The Firekeeper’s Son with a lesson on similes. Read the story out loud with students or try the audio version (like this one: http://www.amazon.com/The-Firekeepers-Son-Norm-Lee/dp/1402599196). Help students identify the various similes found throughout the story. A couple examples to use:

“Gleaming bright as…as a soldier’s sword.” (p. 26)

“Our part of Korea is like a dragon with many humps.” (p. 9)