The Other Side of Tomorrow - by Tina Cho

About the Book

Yunho and Myunghee flee North Korea, facing dangers such as poisonous snakes, corrupt soldiers and the fear of being found as they dream of a better future, in a story told in verse.

Book Synopsis

Booklist Editor's Choice of 2024: Books for Youth

School Library Journal Best Book of 2024
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2024

2026 Maverick Graphic Novel List
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Perfect for fans of Illegal and When Stars Are Scattered, this poignant and moving graphic novel in verse captures the dangers and hope that come with fleeing North Korea and reaching for a brighter future through the lives of Yunho and Myunghee.
From never knowing where they'll find their next meal to avoiding soldiers lurking at every corner, many North Koreans have learned that sticking around can be just as deadly as attempting to flee . . . almost.
Both shy, resourceful Yunho and fierce, vibrant Myunghee know this. So when they each resolve to run away from the bleak futures they face, it's with the knowledge that they could be facing a fate worse than death.
While Yunho hopes to reunite with his omma, who snuck across the border years ago, Myunghee is reaching for dreams that are bigger than anything the regime would allow her to have. The two are strangers to each other until a chance encounter unwittingly intertwines their fates and Myunghee saves Yunho's life.
Kept together by their dreams for a brighter future, they face a road plagued by poisonous jungle snakes, corrupt soldiers, and the daily fear of discovery and imprisonment. But with every step toward freedom, there is also hope. Will it be enough for both of them to make it to safety without losing each other along the way?

Review Quotes

"This gripping graphic novel about childhood under dictator Kim Jong Un balances horror and wonder in both its poetic language and vibrant imagery." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Cho's graphic novel-in-verse is an extraordinary dual-voiced narrative. [And] what makes this title unforgettable is phenomenal, Ignatz-winning artist Lee's breathtaking artwork." - Booklist (starred review)
"An exquisitely crafted story of perseverance and hope." - Gabriela Rodríguez Epstein, bestselling cocreator of Invisible
"Each nerve-racking twist and turn reveals the deep humanity and heroism of the refugee experience."
- Minh Lê, award-winning author of Drawn Together and Lift
"Both urgent and timeless, brave and vulnerable, drawn as if through the lens of memory itself. This beautiful story is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn the true meaning of courage." - Samuel Sattin, author of Unico: Awakening
"Visually stunning and narratively captivating. Truly powerful storytelling at every page." - Jose Pimienta, author of Twin Cities
"A captivating glimpse into a world unseen-this unique story of survival is a stunning fusion of poetry and art." - Debbie Fong, author of Next Stop
"A gripping and impactful story of courage, resilience, and hope brought to life." - Christina Diaz Gonzalez, bestselling author of Invisible and The Red Umbrella
"Triumphant, moving, and unforgettable." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Despite the bleak circumstances, Cho's characters grow emotionally. Lee's detailed, cinematic digital illustrations vividly convey the refugees' journey." - Horn Book (starred review)
"This gut-wrenching story of hope and resilience needs to find its way to all readers' hands." - School Library Journal (starred review)