Sinae Jeong and the Long Year
by
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Suki places her slippers on the floor. Then she smiles, and this time I noticed the blue braces on her teeth. I try not to stare at the blue braces when I ask her how long she has been growing her hair. "Oh forever," she said and swung her ponytail to the other side and moved her shoulders up and down. The sun was shining on the couch where we sat. "Are you warm, do you want a soda?" "Aniyo, and I have something for you Sinae." She held up a pack of M&M's and said, "Welcome to America!"
We walk back to the house facing the glow of the sun. She turns around and walks backwards and says, "Some bad year that was, I have to tell you. But when Halmeni Rim lives with us, I want her close to my side to help me all the time. Halmeni cooks good Asian food for me. See you Monday at school I hope." "Aigoo," was all I could say when she waved good-bye.
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About the Book
I am the sad girl that left my happy times and my friends behind to follow my father’s dreams. When I hear soft voices, I am dreaming. Soon I think that the voices are people I know. Dad is telling my jobumo to leave their heavy bags in the car. As the back door opens, I am quick to stand up. I place the pillow on my bed, and I run. The next afternoon, Dad and I walked down the middle school hallway. I do not let Dad hold my hand. I will not look at him or meet his eyes with mine. Dad said good luck to me, and just then, Mrs. Smith opened the door. Dad and I stepped into my classroom for the first time. I am busy writing old Korean words and working on syllables for new English words so that I can place my story in the paper book. Good day, I am Sinae.
About the Author
Loranne Hansen graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in elementary education with a focus on the middle school grades. She has taught middle and at the high school level in Wisconsin. She taught language arts in the public school district under the NESI Choice School program. This is her first fiction publication for the young adult reader. She enjoys writing about the youth and family life in America and in Asia.