The seesaw being alluded to in the title is not one that children sit down on at playgrounds. If you have been to Cirque de Soleil or the Circus where people stand on the ends and bounce each other higher, then you wil know the Seesaw this refers too.

I felt this was a nice historical story about life in Korea during the 16th century. Jade is well bread and spends he days only in her garden and her house. She is not permitted to see the world or let men look upon her. It's a strick society. Jade's only close friend is older and is married and leaves and now Jade must prepare her needle point panel for a good marriage. She wants to paint the mountains and can't see over her walls enough to see them and she can't leave your garden. See where this is going.

Time is take to describe her mountain scene she is needle pointing and the thing I find lacking in the story is after Jade figures out a way to see the mountains, we never find out the scene she decides to needle point. Miss opportunity. Publishers and their quick endings; I tire of them.

I feel this is a nice look into an ancient and different culture for middle grade readers and above. I enjoy Linda Sue Park since I read the Single Shard. I felt this was worth my time.1999 bage-middle-grade diversity ...more26 s Shannon3,104 2,528

This is the type of book I wish I had read when I was a kid, and it really makes me wonder how the me then would have felt about it. I know a fair amount about Asian history now, but as a kid (and even a teenager) the majority of my history studies were centered on the United States or Europe. I think the only time Asia was even mentioned was in reference to WWII, which is pretty sad.

Park does a fantastic job of explaining a lot of customs and traditions that would seem incredibly alien to an American child, while still making them accessible and interesting. I really wonder how a kid in the U.S. would view having to disassemble their clothing every time it needed to be washed, barely speaking to or knowing their own father, or having to spend their entire lives barely leaving the confines of their home. Or how women weren't allowed to read or write, and that when they married (at the ripe old age of 15 in this story) that they became a part of their husband's family and were no longer members of their own. It's fascinating to think about how kids these days would view these things.

The main story is a bit sad and I think she could have developed it more than she did. This book almost felt a short story, and with just a bit more fleshing out it could have been fantastic. This was her first children's book though, so I'm hoping her subsequent stories only get better. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from her.asia asian-authors asian-characters ...more11 s Barb Middleton1,936 131

This debut novel in 1999 has all the elements that I've come to love when reading Linda Sue Park's books: engaging characters, well-crafted plot, and interesting subjects. This tale is set in ancient Korea during the 1600's where wealthy women and children were virtual prisoners of their home. They were not allowed to leave the Inner Court and spent much of their days doing laundry and embroidering. Plus, doing the laundry didn't mean just washing clothes and hanging them to dry. It meant ripping out pant seams and resewing the pants back together. This not only got the "dirt out of the pockets" but was a way of sanitizing them from harmful germs. For leisure, the women did embroidery on cloth, purses, and panels. Only men were educated and allowed to be artists or writers, while the women managed the households.

I would have died of boredom 12-year-old Jade Blossom. Not to mention I can't sew. The only part I d on the sewing machine was pushing the pedal to the floor. In boring home economics class I was making a book bag when I looked out the window and pushed my finger right under the needle. The sewing machine jammed, pinning my finger to the bottom metal plate. The janitor had to come and disassemble the machine while a classmate threw-up looking at it (she later became a nurse). It was pretty gross. Weird thing - it didn't hurt. AND AS USUAL, I digress with a story of mine. Sorry! Anyway, back to Jade. She tries to spice up her days by playing pranks on others with her best friend, Willow. When Willow gets married Jade not only loses a kindred spirit, she can never see her again. Jade makes a plan to see Willow with unexpected results.

Jade is a mischievous, good-hearted character who talks to her brother, Tiger Heart, to get information, since it is not respectful to ask parents questions. Tiger is being groomed by Jade's father to be a scholar himself who will advise the King in the future. While Tiger can be annoyed with Jade he comes across as tolerant and kind. He brings her sweets from the market and shares news with her. Willow seems somewhat immature for a 27 year old but living in a court doing laundry and embroidering but it is understandable given her lack of education and contact with the outside world. I did wonder how the women were trained at managing households. There are glimpses of it with the mother but I would have d to see some of Willow's training at household management. Jade mentions some of the things Willow did before leaving, but not many details are given.

To recreate 17th century Korea in a story would be difficult and Linda Sue Park's bibliography shows the extensive research she did. The story of the westerners who were shipwrecked and taken to the King is based on a true story and I d how it was intertwined with Jade's family and her conversation with her dad. Jade's attempt to see Willow causes a loyal servant to lose his job and when she takes responsibility her father says, "...the path to wisdom lies not in certainty, but in trying to understand." He uses these same words in his speech to the King about a dispute the council is having as to whether the captured westerners should be killed or freed.

Jade's mother indulges her and I wondered if it was because she understood how smothered Jade felt by their way of life or if she wanted to enjoy Jade to the fullest since she wouldn't see her ever again after marriage. Perhaps it was both. When Jade switches to painting which is forbidden by girls, I wondered what path this new secret rebellion would lead to. The ending seemed abrupt because that question wasn't answered. I thought perhaps Tiger Heart was going to help Jade with her painting or give tips. Perhaps he'd a piece of her work and pass it on as his own to the Schoolmaster. Wouldn't it be ironic if it was hailed as great work, put on display, and then Jade would have to keep secretly painting for Tiger? Then she'd be able to be creative in a very uncreative and stifling position. Of course, then she'd get married and that would be the end of that. Maybe the ending is just right. You decide.

Irony abounds that this girl who is so rich in material goods is so poor in freedoms with a yearning for adventure and education in politics, arts, and more. Add to that theme her curious, spunky, and courageous attitude and it is easy to root for this likable protagonist. I have read some adult books this story that capture the unhappiness of women in this type of setting with a nasty pecking order, but this tale caters more to the young reader and is not ugly at all. Jade's mom is a good woman who is sad at times but makes the best out of each day and the house seems full of joy. Jade, while impetuous and ignorant of consequences, is willing to take responsibility when she causes harm to another person. I did find it sad how Jade invents a way to espy the mountains outside her court. While Jade doesn't feel sorry for herself, I felt downcast by her predictable future. For all she was missing. For not having the freedom to live she wants. For not being able to get an education. For being an oppressed minority. A wonderful story.

Reading Level 5.0historical5 s Josiah3,241 148

Historical fiction is Linda Sue Park's forte. She won the 2002 Newbery Medal for A Single Shard, set in the 1100s. The Kite Fighters took place in the 1400s, and When My Name Was Keoko was set during World War II. Her debut, Seesaw Girl, came out in 1999 and traces the story of Jade Blossom, twelve-year-old daughter of an adviser to the king in seventeenth-century Korea. A child of the Choson period, an era in which Korea adhered to an absolute policy of isolation from other nations except China and Japan, Jade's daily life in her father's home is strictly limited. After age eight, girls of upper class households are not permitted to go outside for fear that "strange men" might see them. At least Jade has her fifteen-year-old aunt Willow, who has a playful heart and goes along with the pranks Jade plays on the boys in and around her father's household. A friend Willow makes it easier for Jade to stay happy despite being obligated to remain on her father's property.

Then Willow is chosen by a husband, and despite the marvelous artistry of the wedding, Jade can't quell the sad feeling of losing her best friend. Marriage requires the girl to renounce all connection to her own family, as though they never existed. Jade is wistful in the weeks after Willow's ceremony; her other friends don't have Willow's humorous spirit. Jade is only a few years from her own potential wedding, and her mother tries to curb her fun-loving side and encourage graceful, feminine traits a suitor will find attractive. Jade dutifully improves at embroidery, sewing, and cleaning to prepare for life as a housewife. One day she stows away with a servant on his trip to the market, a place forbidden to girls of Jade's age and social class. It's her only hope of getting to Willow's new house if she ever wants to see her aunt again, but Willow isn't the same carefree girl as before, and the adventure ends in heartache for Jade. Are older girls allowed to have fun at all?

Jade won't offend her family's honor again by leaving the house, but she can't forget the soaring mountains she gazed at from the market. She wants to retain that beautiful image of freedom for the rest of her life. Girls aren't permitted to paint pictures, but mountains don't lend themselves well to embroidery; if Jade is to depict them in a form she can keep on hand always, she needs to find time to paint in secret. She also needs one more look at the mountains to refresh her memory, but that seems impossible. Maybe a hint of the playful ingenuity that marked her games and pranks with Willow can help Jade think of a way to glimpse the mountains again. Life for a girl in 1600s Korea may not often be exciting, but a clever one makes do with what she has.

Both her parents are sticklers for decorum, but Jade's mother understands a young girl's heart. She acknowledges the thrill of breaking rules to sneak off to market, where commoners mingle casually and tradition is set aside. She realizes that a child would rather have fun than stand on ceremony, but Choson society holds its upper class females to a standard that must be obeyed. Jade's mother derives her own happiness from the part she plays in maintaining an ordered household. "It is a very satisfying feeling, Jade. And someday you too will feel it. This is what I wish for you." The part that society allows Jade and her mother to play is limited, but the linchpin that holds a house together is indispensable, and Jade's mother hopes she can see that. Is it enough, though, for an enjoyable life? Jade's mother answers that question as forthrightly as possible. "Yes, Jade...I have learned to make it enough." Accepting what your life is and making the most of it is the path to meaning, regardless of your circumstances. Purpose can be found wherever you are if you're determined to have it.

"(T)he path to wisdom lies not in certainty, but in trying to understand."

—Seesaw Girl, P. 66

Seesaw Girl isn't as deep as Linda Sue Park's later works, but at only eighty-seven pages, many of them full-page illustrations, that's understandable. It's a thoughtful story, though. Your life will never be exactly what you wish—probably not even close—but learning to enjoy and express yourself despite cultural or other limiting factors will keep you sane and satisfied. I'd rate Seesaw Girl two and a half stars, and would probably go higher if it were novel length with the depth and nuance to match. As is, this is a pretty good book.5 s Mary Herceg148

I loved this book. It was delightful and so well-written in every way - though I expected no less from this great author - and I'm so glad a friend recently convinced me to read it. The plot was perfectly formed and paced, the characters were vivid and well-developed, the themes were thoughtful and natural, the setting was rich, the illustrations were charming and delightful, and the writing style was eloquent, lovely, and lively. I only wish this little book was longer.

I loved Jade, the main character, most of all. I loved her joyfulness, brightness, laughter, mischief, and enjoyment of life despite the hard things. I loved her kindness, compassion, empathy, noble character, and desire to do what was right despite her mistakes and failings. And I loved her intelligence, curiosity, and desire to know things even in a society in which these things were frowned upon for girls. I felt each one of her range of complex emotions deep in my heart. I felt her immense joy, and I hurt for her and was saddened as she went through the pain, hardship, and confusion of living as a young girl in a society in which women were severely restricted. In her culture, noblewomen her were forbidden from ever leaving their homes their entire lives, and they faced lives devoted only to domestic homemaking and arranged marriage. Jade deals with the pain, sadness, and loss of all these things and of living her whole life inside the walls of her home. And she finds ways to push against her boundaries while learning to be content. This book was perfect to help satisfy my desire to learn about and read stories about the role of women in history, and how they may have dealt with it, especially in time periods when women had less freedom.

In addition to the protagonist, the other characters were wonderful as well, especially Jade's family members, who were lovely and well-developed. I loved Jade's healthy, strong, sweet, and loving relationships with her close family members, especially her older brother, her mother, her father, and her aunt. All of them were so sweet, and I loved Jade's interactions with them and love for them. I loved her conversations with her brother, mother, and father and her close relationship with her young aunt, who was more a sister to her.

I loved how the author wove in rich details of the historical setting and important events. I learned so much about a time and place in history I haven't sought out or enjoyed in the past, and the story brought it to life and made me feel invested and interested in it, something only this author has done with this particular area of history. I really loved how Jade's father was involved with the events of history that happened in the book, and I admired and respected his wisdom and resolve to do what he believed was right and good. The events the author portrayed were fascinating, and she dealt with them accurately and allowed the main character to witness them in a believable way. I really appreciate this author's faithfulness in historical accuracy while making her books engaging - and her books are all masterful in every other way as well. I've loved her book A Single Shard since I was very young, and I only wish I had tried more of her other books sooner than this.

4.5 starsfamily-cousins family-siblings family-stories ...more5 s Jennifer WardripAuthor 5 books512

Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com

Jade Blossom lives in a family compound in seventeenth century Korea. Her father is an adviser to the king. Jade and her cousin, Willow, live in the female section of the compound, separately from the men and boys, but the girls take every opportunity to play tricks on Jade's brother. She and Willow are sisters, and then Willow is married and moves to her own compound, where Jade will probably not be able to see her again.

Jade's brother helps her to obtain paper and charcoal to try her hand at drawing. She longs to see the outside world, but the walls are too high to see over, and she is not allowed to roam outside the area. She really wants to see the mountains, so that she can draw them.

One day, she hides in an empty outgoing market basket, and hops out in the marketplace, undetected. She sees many things, including girls her own age, and begins to realize that not everyone lives in a secluded compound.

Then she sees a group of prisoners being herded toward the palace. They are very different looking with something that looks yellow and brown sheep's wool on their chins and cheeks. She learns that they were shipwrecked, and will now be put on trial and ly executed, since foreigners are not allowed to enter the country. Jade pleads with her father to intervene on behalf of the prisoners in this exciting historical adventure.

Park manages to convey the times and the setting with a feeling of reality. Black-and-white illustrations give visual insight as the story progresses and as Jade grows psychologically, while leaving you aware of the fact that her forward-thinking will never bring her much closer to her goals. SEESAW GIRL helps to show the dilemmas that many women still live with in other cultures of the world.trt-posted-5 s Carol Bakker1,305 103

The story of twelve-year-old Jade Blossom is set in seventeenth century Seoul. Until she marries, her life is restricted to the Inner Court of her family's compound. It would be a disgrace for a girl to be seen by a strange man. Curious to see over the walls, to glimpse the mountains, Jade devises a jumping seesaw, a long plank on a central support, which propels the other person into the air.

This is a lovely look into Korean culture: isolation, marriage customs, embroidery, and watercolor. I want to read Linda Sue Park's other books about Korea: The Kite Fighters, A Single Shard, and When My Name was Keoko.

Jean and Mou-sien Tseng's illustrations were sumptuous.2022 art beauty ...more5 s Heydi Smith2,909 7

A beautiful story about a young girl who wanted more than her society was willing to allow. Unswayed by set backs Jade found a way to get "enough" for her spirit to be content but also didn't give up on her dreams.

I think this book can be of great insight for everyone not just girls, please, let's consider that boys too were and often still are under a strict life course as chosen by tradition.

Recommended to me by Amy F.historical kids-middle-years4 s Terri62 1 follower

a short, sweet story about a young girl living in 17th century korea who is not allowed to go outside her family's home until she is married. that may be acceptable to many, but not to our heroine, Jade Blossom, whose curiosity and independent spirit lead her beyond the inner court and much, much more...

4 s M416 2

Jade Blossom lives in an upper class Korean home in the 1650s when women stayed in the Inner Courtyard and only men left the house. She yearns to see the world, but this is not your typical story where the girl finds a way out of the constraints of her life. That's all I can say without spoiling the plot. korea young-adult4 s Kellie683

My only complaint is that I wish the book was longer. It's always interesting to read about my mom's country, culture and customs. The story mentions why women don't smile, something I noticed in pictures of my mom and her family members. It also had the phrase "Ai-go," which is very recognizable to me. Unfortunately, it represents how very little is familiar to me about the Korean language. asian-themed historical young-adult4 s Kristen Harvey2,085 260

Seesaw Girl is the story of Jade, who is not allowed to leave the inner court of her family’s home. She should be focusing on learning skills that will benefit her future husband, but instead she daydreams about what is beyond her walls all the way to the mountains. Also, Jade would rather pull pranks than sit sewing all day and wishes she were one of the boys. So when her best friend is married and sent off, Jade cannot resist the risk to see her. Her adventure takes her outside the wall into a world where woman are allowed in the market, but she is disappointed when her friend turns her away. I truly loved Jade’s character and the insight into a Korean home in another time period. I felt her desires were realistically portrayed and carried out as well as the problems that occurred after.

Verdict:

A beautiful insight into Korean culture and a young protagonist that will have you aching for adventure.historical-fiction middlegrade multicultural3 s Tanja1,098

Another book that showed me why I enjoy historical fiction so much. I simply love time traveling, especially when it is made so easy for me as the reader. Through the main character Jade, we find out what life was for a young girl in 13th century Korea, gaining insights into the country's history and traditions (and a very special invention still much enjoyed today!)chn-historical-fiction3 s Caren1,331



I enjoyed it and found it very interesting. I thought the title didn't fit the story though as the see saw was only brought up at the end. I understand that it was the bridge to the mountains but thought another title would have worked better. Dumb thing to complain about.children-s-fiction historical-fiction3 s LindaAuthor 4 books25

Jade must learn to accept her restricted life and "make it enough." Interesting look a privileged girl's life in 1600's Korea - fun, but wished more interaction with the other characters.asian cultural3 s Ginnie525 36

I learned so much from this little book. I didn't know Korea was an Isolated kingdom during this time period.

Very nice story.childrens-literature historical-fiction3 s Tiffany565 106

Really enjoyed this little book! The historical context was really interesting and now I want to read all the books the author lists in the bibliography. 2 s Kairavi Pandya124 5

This is something worth being included in educational syllabus.2 s Tibby 999 Read

Linda Sue Park writes the most beautiful books and she is so good about weaving in parts of Korean history and culture into the stories without making it feel didactic or an info dump. On the other hand, these are books that strike me as good classroom reads. They are short, but harder (see the Lexile rating) and the stories are gentle and quiet and make you think. My current group of kids would be hard pressed to pick this up on their own. They don’t read a lot of contemplative stuff (although there are some who will!) and they don’t tend toward historical fiction.

That being said, this book is so worth a read. It’s fascinating to see a girl restricted by social mores break them and discover the consequences. She also begins to strive to find a way to work within the system instead of rebelling constantly. There is a really poignant conversation Jade has with her mother about making what she has enough instead of always wanting more.

As the story unfolds the reader comes to realize that Jade will never see her best friend again and will eventually have to give up her mother and family. It’s a tough realization and makes you think about life for these girls. The tedium of washing clothing, sewing clothing, needle point, and food serving are very vividly brought to life. But so is the beauty of a life well and simply lived.

Well worth having on the shelf as is Park’s A Single Shard which gives the male peasant perspective on a similar (same? I can’t remember exactly) time period.
kidlit-chapter-books kidlit-family kidlit-historical-fiction ...more2 s Jen Kelley15 1 follower

I picked up this book at a book sale while visiting my in-laws out in west Texas and read it on the ride home. As a 5th grade reading teacher, I choose books for the purpose of building my knowledge so to recommend good books to my students.

At the time I saw this book, I was thinking this might be a great mentor text to use when teaching cultural differences. Yes, I was absolutely correct on that assumption!! However, I also found a wonderfully written story of a Korean girl, Jade Blossom who struggles with some of her family's customs and expectations. The author has used her own personal family knowledge and experiences to bring the main character to life. I found the entire plot as well as the characters to be very engaging! I was quite surprised to find this book listed as historical fiction instead of nonfiction because they did seem so very real in my mind.

The story is heartwarming enough for an adult quick read, but engaging enough for students. This book will be hoisted in my historical fiction section of my classroom library and will definitely be a book I will guide students towards - especially those most reluctant to venture into this genre!

I am also adding other books by this author to my To Read bookshelf!2 s Loraine3,167

SUMMARY: Jade never ventures beyond the walls of her family's Inner Court; in seventeenth-century Korea, a girl of good family does not leave home until she marries. She is enthralled by her older brother's stories about trips to the market and to the ancestral grave sites in the mountains, about reading and painting, about his conversations with their father about business and politics and adventures only boys can have. Jade accepts her destiny, and yet she is endlessly curious about what lies beyond the walls. A lively story with a vividly realized historical setting, "Seesaw Girl" recounts Jade Blossom's daring attempts to enlarge her world.

REVIEW: An interesting glimpse into the life and times of older girls during the 17th century in Korea. Kept very-cloistered inside their home with no glimpse of outside life, Jade is an inventive and adventurous youngster who dreams of seeing life outside her home. She wants a taste of the life that her brothers see and hear. This was a very enjoyable story and would help older elementary girls see how life has changed and what they have to be thankful for in today's times. Well written and illustrated.

children-s-books historical-fiction2 s Julie329 20

This cute story is historical fiction for children set in 1600s Korea.

The story focuses on a 12 year old girl who's father is a counselor to the king.
Girls and women in this class of society were not allowed outside the inner courts of their homes, except for the weddings of male relatives (female relatives were married in their family home), and on their wedding day, when they would be taken to their husband's family home, and become part of his family, never to see their own family again. Jade blossom longs to see the mountains, and life outside the walls of her family home.

The story teaches about life and values in 1600s Korea, and also weaves in the story of Dutch sailors who were shipwrecked on Jejudo Island, and taken as prisoners to Seoul.

My 12 year old daughter didn't enjoy the story, it was a little too simple for her level.asia childrens-books history ...more2 s Ebookwormy11,800 306

A whimsical tone pervades this gentle narrative about the development of a young Korean girl in the 1600s. Park's story develops the character of Jade through her experiences while effectively immersing the reader in Korean culture without didactic passages weighing the text down. This is a homeschooling gem that I am pleased to have discovered and happy to own.

I highly recommend this book for all ages generally and for those interested in Korea in particular. There is tremendous insight for both boys and girls, but I think girls and women will specifically identify with Jade's challenges and growth in ways beyond young men.
fiction history history-byzantium-to-french-rev ...more2 s Skedatt326

I agree with the author that it is both appalling and somehow fascinating that these women were confined throughout their whole lives. I loved the description of the laundry: I am sure that the custom for taking all the seams out and washing them, drying them, beating out the wrinkles with sticks, and then sewing them all back together again, came from the need to keep their hands occupied while being kept within the Inner Courts--with the convenient excuse that it kept the sicknesses away. It probably did that also, but seriously! I came out thinking "I love my washing machine!!!"

childrens young-adult2 s Kenzie118 14

This was a nice short read. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it better at a younger age, as it was written for more of a children's book. However I enjoyed it and found it delightsome. Some of the description at the beginning (seating arrangements and such) I found long and boring for the overall shortness of the book. But she quickly remedied that and the problem didn't creep up again later in the book.
I must admit though that I didn't know the book had ended till I realized that the "next chapter" was actually the authors note... Oops. The story was a little ambiguous but not unpleasant. :)2 s Erin Fowler319

Jade has always wanted to see the world outside her little court, but in Korea girls living with wealthier families are not to travel the normal streets. They are in charge of cooking and cleaning and taking care of clothing. Jade follows her heart and without her parents permission leaves the premisses. What she finds is both beauty and hardship.
This book was a beautiful illustration of the culture of Korea. I enjoyed seeing Jade develop as a character and how she was so convicted to see more. Check this one out! It's a story you don't want to miss.2 s Tira124

A view of the cage, form the birds point of view. A story about a young daughter of a prominent Korean family who questions and for one day escapes the walls of her family court home. This is a tender and entertaining telling of the life of wealthy women and female children roles in the Choson period in Korea. I really enjoyed this book because it was a quick read being only 89 pages. I loved that the main character had such spunk while still being humbled by her faults.2 s Jon595 5

There's an afterthought quality to this novel that reads it was quickly made up from leftover research notes. Even at 87 pages, it feels drawn out. a picture book turned into a novella. It never gets into the heart of the issues it deals with, just brushing over them as simplistically as possible.

I will say that some of the historical detail regarding the domestic structure of 17th century Korean upper-class households was somewhat interesting.2 s Amy658 1 follower

It's hard not to relate to Jade Blossom in her need to expand her world. It was an interesting read, getting a glimpse of 1600s Korea. I haven't read many books with the time period, or the location before.

I just wish it were a little longer and we got to see more of Jade as she got older.2014 j-fiction2 s H.R.H. CarpathiaAuthor 2 books3

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