Dong Hwa Kim (1) (1950–)

3Q 2P- A beautifully drawn graphic novel about a young girl coming of age. The writing is lyrical and sensual and the relationship between the girl, Ehwa, and her mother is touching and realistically portrayed. Kim Dong Hwa intertwines the story with references to flowers, rain and the seasons as metaphors and companions for Ehwa's burgeoning womanhood and awakening sexuality and her mother's loneliness and desire. There's an openness about puberty and sexuality that I found frank and show more refreshing in a YA book. I've read reviews that say The Color of Earth should be strictly limited to upper grades, but I think it would be a great middle school book. I think it's a great book for helping normalize the kinds of bodily changes that happen at puberty. It reminds me a bit of Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret in that way. show less

I absolutely love everything about this series so far. The Color of Water follows Ehwa as she gets older and starts to understand what being in love and wanting someone is about. There's just enough conflict (between Ehwa and her mother, the boy she likes and her mother's lover) to give the book a bit of a twist, but it's still as lighthearted and lovely as the first one. Kim's ability to tell Ehwa's story, while also giving us insights into the other characters means this books is more than show more just Ehwa's story. All the characters who play a significant role in her life are fleshed out in some way. And Kim's graceful drawing style continues to be beautiful. I'm really looking forward to the final book in the trilogy. show less

While the notes at the end of the book laud this as a feminist work, I can't totally agree. Ehwa and her mother live on their own and are totally self-sufficient, but other than talking about puberty, they spend most of their time discussing boys and men. (This is a shout-out to my YAAers who introduced me to the Bechdel test!) Regardless, the graphics were so expressive that even though they were in black and white, I saw each frame in color. So much emotion was over the top, but it totally show more sucked me in. I have already requested the next book in the series. show less

This novel follows Ehwa, a young girl growing up with her widowed mother in a rural Korean village. Told through rich language and evocative images, we watch as Ehwa exits childhood into the first blush of womanhood. Meanwhile, her mother is finding renewed youth with a traveling artist who visits occasionally.

The mother and daughter share secrets and discuss love, sex, and life as the beauty of the seasons wash by in the background. For Ehwa, nature is a powerful tool for understanding the show more changes and challenges she faces every day. Although there is much about adult life she doesn't understand, her curiosity and wonder provide her satisfaction as she waits upon what life will bring her.

This is a beautiful coming of age narrative which will charm any reader regardless of culture or background. show less