Kent, Rose. Kimchi & Calamari. 2010. 240p. HarperCollins, $7.99 (9780060837716) Recommended grade levels 4-6.
Rating: 4.5
Identities: Korean adoptee
A middle-grade, realistic fiction read from the perspective of Joseph, a Korean adoptee raised in a very Italian family. Like many adoptees, Joseph’s racial identity becomes a point of conflict at school when an assignment is given related to heritage. Joseph and his family are unprepared for the conversations surrounding his adoption that come out of the assignment when Joseph feels he can’t just write about his Italian heritage but knows nothing about being Korean either.
At the same time, Joseph becomes better acquainted with a classmate who is also Korean. A quick and thought-provoking read, that is developmentally appropriate for middle-grade readers and raises the issue of identity to family at a pivotal time in a young person’s life.
Perspectives: Rose Kent, the author, is an adoptive parent who did significant research when writing this book, including working with adoptee researchers. While reading, it was notable that she was able to write outside of herself as an adoptive parent and capture how Joseph navigated his relationship with his adoptive parents and how it impacted him. For example, Joseph’s mother was more open-minded, while his father did not understand why Joseph did not just focus on his Italian heritage.
Practice: The length of the book makes it an excellent choice for an independent reading book. It could also make a wonderful book club read during the 5th and 6th grade years.
The Adoptee Bookshelf 