Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee and Susan McClelland

What an incredible story. Sungju Lee was born in North Korea, dreamed of becoming a general in the army, and then had those dreams snatched away. What starts slowly to fall apart quickly turns into a cascade and before he knows it he is alone on the street barely surviving. He is not alone, there are many boys(and girls) living on the streets. Lee and his newly made family of brothers learn to navigate the local markets so they can steal enough to survive. 

While the story is grim in many ways, hope is a beacon that shines throughout the story. Lee never gave up hope. Everyone should read this story to better understand our place within this world. For those of us in democracy it is a reminder of how lucky we are to be able to make our own choices, and to understand that in this climate of hate that seems to be gripping the western world - that we shouldn't believe anything the haters are saying, that it is all propaganda much like the propaganda the North Korean government uses to brainwash its citizens. Recommended for ages 12 and up. 

Adult: 5/5
​YA: 5/5