Sarang Saves the School - by Korena Di Roma Howley (Hardcover)

About the Book

"At a seaside school in a sunny fishing village, Sarang and her classmates are surrounded by empty desks. More and more families have been moving away, and, with so few students, their rural school may be forced to close. Their village may be getting smaller, but it's still home--a place filled with love and memories. So Sarang hatches a plan. If the school needs more students to keep its doors open, why not offer local grandmothers, including her own beloved Halmeoni, the education they were denied as girls? Can Sarang and the other students and villagers convince the reluctant grandmothers to join forces and embark on their educational journey together? Set in contemporary South Korea and inspired by real events, Sarang Saves the School is a fresh and timely take on the power of intergenerational bonds and a charming testament to taking action for causes you believe in"--

Book Synopsis

"In an uplifting authorial picture book debut, Di Roma Howley introduces a spirited protagonist. . . . Oh's carefully lit digital illustrations emphasize Sarang's sunny optimism, and fond intergenerational interactions depict shared learning and wisdom at every age." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Inspired by true events in South Korea, this tender and tenacious tale of female empowerment--at any age--proves that it's never too late to fulfill a dream.

At a seaside school in a sunny fishing village, Sarang and her classmates are surrounded by empty desks. More and more families have been moving away, and, with so few students, their rural school may be forced to close. Their village may be getting smaller, but it's still home--a place filled with love and memories. So Sarang hatches a plan. If the school needs more students to keep its doors open, why not offer local grandmothers, including her own beloved Halmeoni, the education they were denied as girls? Can Sarang and the other students and villagers convince the reluctant grandmothers to join forces and embark on their educational journey together? Set in contemporary South Korea and inspired by real events, Sarang Saves the School is a fresh and timely take on the power of intergenerational bonds and a charming testament to taking action for causes you believe in.

Review Quotes

In an uplifting authorial picture book debut, Di Roma Howley introduces a spirited protagonist. . . . Oh's carefully lit digital illustrations emphasize Sarang's sunny optimism, and fond intergenerational interactions depict shared learning and wisdom at every age.
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Sarang and Halmeoni's intergenerational bond and their intertwined educational journey will spur many readers to learn more about this social movement. A sweet ode to educational access, inspired by true events.
--Kirkus Reviews

Appealing digital pictures illustrate the well-paced narrative, which is strengthened by Sarang's determination to save her school and her empathy for her grandmother, who regrets that she cannot write her own letters to relatives. A moving picture book.
--Booklist

Soft pastel illustrations provide a welcoming look into Sarang's beloved small town, emphasizing the story's themes of family, community, and the importance of dignity for all learners, young and old. An effective picture book about the power of education at any age.
--School Library Journal

The heartwarming story is accompanied by Oh's pastel-toned, sunlit illustrations of the village's sparkling sea and smiling students, young and old; a scene late in the book showing Halmeoni writing her own letter is especially touching.
--The Horn Book

About the Author

Korena Di Roma Howley is a freelance journalist and editor and was a finalist for the 2022 We Need Diverse Voices Mentorship Program and the 2022 PBParty. Sarang Saves the School is her picture book debut. She lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, with her husband and son.

Joowon Oh is the creator of Our Favorite Day, her acclaimed picture book debut. She earned a BFA in illustration and an MFA in illustration as visual essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Originally from South Korea, she now lives in New York City.