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Linda Sue Park

リンダ・スー・パーク

Rinda Sū Pāku

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
Urbana, Illinois, U.S.
Nationality
American
Languages
English
Residence History
Urbana, Illinois (birthplace) → Suburbs of Chicago (raised) → Rochester, New York (residence)

Career

Occupations
Writer, Children's author, Poet
Active Years
1999-

Education

Stanford University
English
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Country: United States
Competed on the university gymnastics team
Trinity College, Dublin
Literature
Degree: Advanced degree in literature
Country: Ireland
Exact degree title and graduation year not specified
University of London
Literature
Degree: Master of Arts
Country: United Kingdom
Exact period of study not specified

Awards

Newbery Medal
2002
Work: A Single Shard
Organization: American Library Association
Result: 受賞
Chicago Tribune Young Adult Fiction Prize
2005
Work: Project Mulberry
Organization: Chicago Tribune
Result: 受賞
Jane Addams Children's Book Award (Honor)
2002
Work: When My Name Was Keoko
Organization: Jane Addams Children's Book Award committee
Result: 名誉賞
Irma S. and James H. Black (ISB) Honor
2005
Work: The Firekeeper's Son
Organization: Irma S. and James H. Black Award committee
Result: 受賞（Honor）

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Seesaw Girl

1999 Children's historical fiction

A children's historical novel about a girl in Korea, focusing on traditional embroidery and family relationships.

Korean cultureFamilyComing of age

The Kite Fighters

2000 Children's historical fiction

Set in historical Korea, this story centers on sibling bonds and kite fighting, highlighting cultural detail and family love.

Sibling bondsTraditional cultureCompetition

A Single Shard

2001 Children's historical fiction

A coming-of-age novel about a boy and ceramics in Koryo Korea; winner of the Newbery Medal.

Craft and artistryMentorshipPerseverance and growth

When My Name Was Keoko

2002 Historical fiction (children's)

Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the novel tells a family story about names and identity from two perspectives.

ColonialismIdentityFamily

Project Mulberry

2005 Contemporary children's fiction

A contemporary story set in the U.S. where children learn about sericulture and culture through a school project.

Cross-cultural understandingEducationFriendship

A Long Walk to Water

2010 Children's non-fiction/fiction hybrid

Interleaves the real-life story of Salva Dut with a fictional girl's experiences, focusing on water and survival.

SurvivalWater resourcesHope

Prairie Lotus

2020 Children's historical fiction

A coming-of-age story set in the 19th-century American Midwest, dealing with race and cultural conflict.

Race and belongingComing of ageFamily

Bibliography

  • Seesaw Girl (1999)
  • The Kite Fighters (2000)
  • A Single Shard (2001)
  • When My Name Was Keoko (2002)
  • Project Mulberry (2005)
  • Archer's Quest (2006)
  • Keeping Score (2008)
  • A Long Walk to Water (2010)
  • Storm Warning (The 39 Clues) (2010)
  • Prairie Lotus (2020)
  • Several picture books and poetry collections

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Clear, explanatory prose suited to young readersCareful historical detail and descriptive passages
Recurring Motifs
Korean culture and traditions (ceramics, embroidery, kites)Family and mentorshipIdentity and belonging

Legacy

Linda Sue Park is a widely read children's author, best known for her Newbery Medal–winning work and a body of books that highlight Korean history and culture; her books are commonly used in schools and libraries.

Trivia

  • Competed on the Stanford University gymnastics team.
  • Published her first poem at age nine.
  • Korean name is sometimes given as 박명진 (Bak Myeongjin / Pak Myŏngjin).