Balgassi, Haemi. Tae's sonata / by Haemi Balgassi. New York : Clarion Books, c1997. 0395843146 Ages 10-14.
Tae is struggling at school, but it is not her grades. She is struggling to find her place in the rigid social structure of Jr. High. It bothers her that she stands out as one of two Korean Americans at school. She is at that age where she knows what she should do or say to her parents, but she also knows how to hurt them. She is starting to grow up and not only think of her own feelings. She is also noticing boys and they are noticing her.
This is a story about assimilation, growing up, first love, and friendship. I finished this book in one sitting. It was interesting to read about the feelings of a recent Korean immigrant girl. Tae is realistically not perfect, but she is growing as she experiences the joys and tribulations of Jr. High.
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