Every Falling Star Project

Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee 

Reviewed by Brooke Papin, Gabrielle Perez, Tiffany Pettit, Viviana Pintor, and Marcia Zarate

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Review:

Every Falling Star is a heart-wrenching memoir that uncovers the inhumane circumstances faced in North Korea. Sunju Lee’s battle of survival and escape is full of vulnerability, strength, and ultimately, love. Growing up, Lee believed that he lived in the best country in the world with the most powerful and virtuous leader, Kim Il-Sung. Raised to believe and do as told, he lived in a happy state of mind full of reassurance of a great future ahead. Unfortunately, his pampered life turned into deception once his family had to “go on holiday” and leave the wealthy capital of Pyongyang.

Life becomes increasingly difficult in their new home of Gyeong-Seong where Lee begins to question the status quo of his country. Sunju witnesses poverty like he never imagined in his immediate surroundings, and soon experiences it in his own life. As his family’s food supply starts dwindling, school is no longer an option. Left to fend for himself, Lee becomes part of a street gang, who he’ll grow to know as “brothers” and the battle for survival begins. The hardships he and his brothers face are quite difficult to read since these harsh circumstances are foreign to the Western world, but it is crucial for young readers to be exposed to theses cruel realities not only for insight but to gain a greater appreciation for their own life. Lee excels in providing great sensory-details throughout the book that create a strong connection between the text and the reader, from describing what extreme starvation feels like to the horrible conditions of a detention center. 

He also gives an in-depth exploration to the limited good moments he experiences, the moments he holds onto for strength. The frequent circling back to hope and friendship helps gives the reader a sense of humanity that can be lost when reading such a brutal story. The boys’ cycle of traveling and fighting can get repetitive, but the ultimate focus on loyalty between their tight-knit group keeps the story going. The strong bond created between the kotjebi is what helps keep everyone alive, although this is not always the case. The progression of Lee’s loss of innocence is reinforced through the desperate tone employed throughout the book that gives the reader a reference to the effects of the terrible famine in North Korea and how brutally the government let down its citizens. 

Moreover, the biggest critique of this eye and heart opening story is its abrupt ending that leaves the reader wanting more. After putting forth such an in-depth analysis of the most difficult period in Sunju’s life, the reader is left asking what happens after he escapes North Korea despite the fact that the epilogue discloses a few details on this topic. This is partly due to Lee’s caution in not revealing too much information because of fear of possible reprisals against relatives that still might remain in the country. A true testament of resilience, Every Falling Star is a must read story that explores the very knits of humanity.

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Biography:

Sungju Lee was born in North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.  He started off with a luxurious life style that made him believe that the world he lived in had no problems. When his father came home one day, he told his family that they were going to go on "vacation". Instead, he was relocated to Gyeong-seong, where he faced the harsh realities of poverty and the true nature of North Korea. Though he attended school in the beginning of his new life, he did not continue for long. 

Not long after moving, his family became very poor. His father defects to China in hopes of providing for his family. Without his return, his mother had no choice but to seek out her family members for help. By the age of 12, Lee had no parents. Lee, starving, bands five boys who also have no parents together to form a gang; they stole from local merchants in order to survive the major hunger crisis occurring in North Korea. They were not just a group of boys who survived, they called each other brothers. Lee was homeless for about five years, until by chance, he comes in contact with his grandfather who had been searching for him. After living with his grandfather for a couple of months, a letter from South Korea is sent by Lee's father to tell him to defect North Korea and reunite with him. Lee hesitantly believes his father and successfully defects to South Korea.

After escaping from North Korea's harsh dictatorship, Lee has been involved in many organizations that protect and advocate for North Korean refugees. He first got his undergraduate and post-baccalaurerate from the United States and the United Kingdom. He wished to achieve his doctorate degree in Korean reunification.
                                                                                             
Lee is a consultant for the Citizen's Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR), and was an honoree for for the 2018 Democracy Award for the NKHR. Lee continues to inspire other defectors to share their narrative as well as fight for those who are stuck in China and North Korea with the power of his voice.

Lee has since traveled the world and experienced things that he couldn't have in North Korea. He wishes to one day return to North Korea where he grew up and reconnect with his brothers.

Instructional Resources:

1. Sunju Lee Shares His Story

Sungju Lee is a consultant at 2018 NED Democracy Awardee Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights. He talks about the constant opression North Koreans faced. He notes that his entire family got expelled to a different city due to his father saying a negative comment. He exposes North Korea and the public executions he saw at a young age. 

2. Kim iI Sung 25th Anniversary 

This video marks the 25th anniversary of Kim iI Sung passing. Thousands of North Koreans made the pilgrimage to visit the statue to show their love and admiration for Sung. They lay flowers and show respect by participating in the ceremony. This resource will provide a deeper understanding on how North Korea mourned on 1994 like it is mentioned in the novel.

3. Map of North Korea

This map shows many of the cities discussed in the novel and can give students an accurate idea of where Sungju and his gang travelled. The journey can be traced from Pyeongyang, the capital where Sungju was born, to Seoul, present-day Joseon, to Daeminguk in South Korea and everywhere in between. 

4. Indies Interview with Sungju Lee

Watching this interview will allow students to see Sungju Lee as a real person and make a deeper connection to him and his story. He talks about the reasons he wrote the novel and reflects back upon its effect on others. Seeing and hearing him speak gives a further understanding of his experience and provides new insight into his life today.

5. NK News Article

A drug known as ping-du, or ice, comes up frequently in the novel, but Sungju Lee never reveals what exactly it is. While opium and alcohol are among the substances that Lee does consume, ice is one he only hopes for in his most desperate moments. Revealed in this article is an explanation of the drug and the history of its use in North Korea and China.

6. North Korea Propaganda Video

This video displays propaganda posters in North Korea and analyzes their meanings. Students would benefit from watching this because it illuminates the stark contrast between the horrific conditions Lee describes in his novel and the idyllic images that North Korean leaders portrayed in history.

7. History of North Korea's Famine

This article provides a more in-depth explanation of the famine during the 1990s on a wider scale than the novel discusses. Learning more context about this period in history will give students a new perspective about the historical implications of the famine and reasons behind its beginnings.

8. Escaping North Korea


In this testimony Yeonmi Park shares the continued oppression she faced in North Korea. She speaks upon North Koreas concentration camps, food shortage, executions, and the rape she endured in this communist country. In the novel, Sunju Lee notes how the young teen girls hid in the back of the jails cutting their lips and pulling out thier hair to look unnatrative for the guards who constantly raped them. She exposes the realities of North Korea and how it lacks human rights. She expresses her childhood as the most horrific time of her life. When she began talking about the endless torture her family began disappearing. In this video, Park uses her platform to shed light on three ways how to support North Korean refugees.

9. North Korea Survive on Cannibalism

During the faminine many North Koreans turned to cannibalism to survive. Ten percent of the population was wiped out and children feared for their life. Sunju Lee notes that everyone in North Korea was affected by the famine except Pyongyang.

10. North Korean Prisoners

Sunju Lee stresses the endless torture in the jails of North Korea. Lee notes that he faced poor living condition and witness horrific gruesome events. This article notes that North Korean prisoners are currently being tortured or killed due to religious affiliations. Imprisoned women face forced abortion and sexual violence in re-eduction camps, of North Korea.

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Preview: For the Lesson Plan, We have decided to do the Carousel Classroom Activity. This activity will help students with their literary and communication skills.
Resources and Preparation:

• California Department of Education. “Common Core State Standards.” Common Core State Standards - Resources (CA Dept of Education), California Department of Education, 4 Dec. 2019, www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/.Fahy, Sandra. “'Like Two Pieces of the Sky': Seeing North Korea through Accounts of the Famine.” Anthropology Today, vol. 27, no. 5, 2011, pp. 18–21.

• Common Core State Standards Initiative. “English Language Arts Standards " Writing " Introduction.” English Language Arts Standards " Writing " Introduction | Common Core State Standards Initiative, Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2019, www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/WHST/introduction/

Instructional Plan: The plan for this lesson is to increase comprehension and give a preview of the novel's themes without giving too much away. 

Instructional Activity: Carousel Activity is seen below

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Goal: To implement collaborative work and increase student engagement with the novel. Also, to develop understanding of the 1998 North Korean famine and its impact on citizens. 

Activity Type: Carousel Brainstorming

What it does: Helps students converse, engage, and participate with class text. 

Common Core Outcomes the Lesson Meets:

1)      CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiating and Participating effectively in a range of collaborative discussions such as one-on-one, and teacher led with diverse partners grades 9-10 topics, texts and issues.

2)      CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.9.B: By using reasoning skills, evidence, and rhetoric, identifying any fallacious reasoning or distorted evidence

3)      CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task

4)      CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.5: Analyze in detail how an author’s ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portion of a text.

5)      CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.8: Analyze seminal U.S. Documents of historical and literary significance (e.g., Washington’s farewell address, the Gettysburg address) including how they address related themes and concepts

Activity Students would Undertake for Every Falling Star: Group Work and Classroom Discussion 

·         Topics of Choice from Novel:  Homelessness, Gangs, Nationalism, Family, Courage

·         Key people/events to look for: Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-un, Korean War, Seoul Olympics, Adeul, Chulho, Abeioji, Bo-Cho, Folktales

·         In the carousel approach, students will be divided into five groups. After being divided into five groups, each group will get a designated marker and sheet of paper. Each group will be assigned one  topic out of the lesson. Sample Table made by Gabrielle A. Perez

Carousel Classroom Activity Novel: Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee	Table 3: Nationalism What is Nationalism/ how is it seen today? How is it observed in the novel?
Table 1: Homelessness How is homelessness a huge impact in today’s society? And How is it shown in the novel?	Table 4: Family What is more important family or friends in times of crisis? Should Adeul rely on his family or friends?
Table 2: Courage What does it mean to have “courage”? and Which of the main characters show courage?	Table 5: *Bonus*-teacher’s desk Come to teacher’s desk to check in answers and answer this one question. “Where does Every Falling Star take place in North Korea?”

Carousel Classroom Activity:Pictured Below

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 After the groups have been assigned, each group is given two minutes to brainstorm and discuss the question involving their assigned topic. Each student is encouraged to bring their book to group discussion to answer the questions.

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• The groups must approach their table with their designated topic and work collaboratively to gather the knowledge they know about their assigned topic.

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• After the two-minute period, the groups must alternate and move to the next topic.

• Continue this activity until all groups have finished all selected topics

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• Finish the activity by discussing what information the students have discovered and encourage them to share their findings. Be open to questions and answer them accordingly.

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Bibliography

·                Blakemore, Erin. “North Korea's Devastating Famine.” History.com, A&E Television

Networks, 16 Nov. 2017, www.history.com/news/north-koreas-devastating-famine.

• California Department of Education. “Common Core State Standards.” Common Core State Standards - Resources (CA Dept of Education), California Department of Education, 4 Dec. 2019, www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/.Fahy, Sandra. “'Like Two Pieces of the Sky': Seeing North Korea through Accounts of the Famine.” Anthropology Today, vol. 27, no. 5, 2011, pp. 18–21.

• Common Core State Standards Initiative. “English Language Arts Standards " Writing " Introduction.” English Language Arts Standards " Writing " Introduction | Common Core State Standards Initiative, Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2019, www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/WHST/introduction/

• Gauthier, Brandon K. “HOPE BY ITSELF IS NOT ENOUGH: THE SOFT POWER OF NORTH KOREAN DEFECTORS.” The Journal of East Asian Affairs, vol. 29, no. 2, 2015, pp. 105–139.

• Grice, Francis. “The Improbability of Popular Rebellion in Kim Jong-Un’s North Korea and Policy Alternatives for the USA.” Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, vol. 4, no. 3, 2017, pp. 263–293.

• "Ice Age: Drugs in North Korea: NK News." NK News - North Korea News, 27 May, 2018, www.nknews.org/2015/03/ice-age-drugs-in-north-korea/.

• Jolly, Joanna. “Fighting for Survival on the Streets of North Korea.” BBC News, BBC, 9 Jan. 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37914493.

• Kim, Taekyoon. “Strategizing Aid: US–China Food Aid Relations to North Korea in the 1990s.” International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, vol. 12, no. 1, 2012, pp. 41–70.

• Literacy Association, International, and National Council of Teachers of English. “Brainstorming and Reviewing Using the Carousel Strategy - ReadWriteThink.” Readwritethink.org, ILA/NCTE, Dec. 2019, www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/brainstorming-reviewing-using-carousel-30630.html

• National Endowment for Democracy, https://www.ned.org/2018-democracy-award/2018-democracy-award-honoree-citizens-alliance-for-north-korean-human-rights-nkhr/.

• “North Korea Map and Satellite Image.” Geology, geology.com/world/north-korea-satellite image.shtml.

• Reidhead, Jacob. “Famine in North Korea: Markets, Aid, and Reform.” Korean Studies, vol. 34, 2010, pp. 159–165.

• Schwekendiek, Daniel. “Determinants of Well-Being in North Korea: Evidence from the Post-Famine Period.” Economics & Human Biology, vol. 6, no. 3, 2008, pp. 446–454.

• Soo-Kyung, Lee. “North Korean Children: Nutrition and Growth.” Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 22, no. 4, 2017, pp. 231–239.

•  YouTube, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=84QStvAUwhY.

• YouTube, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKr-oiJ2bCQ.

Images

• Image #1: "Every Falling Star -- by Sungju Lee & Susan Elizabeth McClelland (Hardcover)." Target, https://www.target.com/o/every-falling-star-the-true-story-of-how-i-survived-and-escaped-north-korea-hardcover-sungju-lee/-/A-51533455
• Image #2: “Review: Sungju Lee.” MLF Chapter & Verse, 21 Oct. 2016, blog.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/2016/10/review-sungju-lee/.
• Image #3: Illing, Sean. “America, Explained by a North Korean Propaganda Book.” Vox, Vox, 12 June 2018, www.vox.com/world/2018/1/9/16773364/trump-kim-summit-sign-agreement-denuclearization-propaganda.
• Image #4:Thomas, Laura. “Thinking on Their Feet: Instructional Carousels.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 21 July 2015, www.edutopia.org/discussion/thinking-their-feet-instructional-carousels
•  Image #5: Falcone, Amy. “Carousel Activity...creating Classroom Expectations. #wdsd7 Pic.twitter.com/T7egcG9kpt.” Twitter, Twitter, 26 Aug. 2016, 9:53am, twitter.com/teachscience7/status/769216137347424256.  
•  Image #6: Azschnee. “ELL Training Module Slides.” LinkedIn SlideShare, LinkedIn Corporation , 4 Sept. 2011, www.slideshare.net/azschnee/ell-training-module-slides.
• Image #7:Librizzi, Valerie. “Carousel Discussion or Poster Walk.” BetterLesson, BetterLesson, 11 Dec. 2019, betterlesson.com/strategy/74.  .
• Image #8: Watson, Charles. “Carousels Do They Really Work?” Primary Practice, Primary Practice Facebook Group, 29 Sept. 2017, primarypractice.co.uk/2017/09/29/carousels-really-work/.
•  Image #9: Jungsun , Kim. “A First-Grade Classroom at Bongeun Elementary in South Korea, 2018.” Iowaculture.gov, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, 2018, iowaculture.gov/history/education/educator-resources/primary-source-sets/schools-comparing-long-ago-today-and-other/first-grade-classroom.
• Image #10:France-Presse, Agence. “South Korean Grandmothers School Pupils for the First Time.” Rappler, Rappler, 1 June 2019, 10:38pm, www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/231993-south-korean-grandmothers-are-school-pupils.