What if you had no word for freedom? And you had nothing to eat.
Twelve-year-old Hana and her grandfather face that situation in 1995 North Korea. After they make their way to China, they are still in danger of being captured and returned to the Hermit Kingdom, where they would likely die in prison for trying to escape.
Their guide is a mysterious man with a scar and a secret. As they travel through China, Hana and her grandfather learn about the history of a culture that differs from their own. They learn new words like freedom and faith. And they come to realize what those words truly mean. Faith is surrender, and freedom comes through that surrender.
A resonant odyssey of discovery, shaped by real-world political challenges and Christian beliefs. – Kirkus Review
Download the Free Study Guide
- Grades 5 and up
- North Korea & China
- Classic comparison: Pilgrim’s Progress and Uncle Tom’s Cabin
A six- to nine-week unit study for Wandering Swallow, geared for ages ten and up (middle grade) with an emphasis on research and writing.
- An adventure with a message
- History of twentieth-century Asia
- Bible study components
- Writing–compatible with IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)
- Geography
- Weather and natural disasters: windstorms, earthquakes, underground fires
- And more!