My Name Is Yoon

My Name Is Yoon

book

2014, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
92%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A Korean immigrant girl tries on new identities—CAT? BIRD? CUPCAKE?—before finding her way back to her own shining wisdom.

Amazon4.9
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—a picture book that tackles big feelings about immigration and belonging without being preachy or sad. Yoon's journey from wanting to be CAT to accepting YOON is both funny and moving, and the book trusts kids to understand complex emotions.

The illustrations are stunning—dreamscapes that show Yoon imagining herself as different creatures, with a visual language that matches the story's themes about symbols and meaning. It's been recognized by every major children's literature organization for good reason.

Whether your kid is navigating their own identity stuff, you want to build empathy about the immigrant experience, or you just want a beautifully-told story about finding your place, this delivers. It's a classic that still feels fresh.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-8, especially kids starting school, moving, or navigating cultural identity. The simple text works for early readers, but the emotional depth makes it great for read-alouds with slightly older kids too. Loses relevance after elementary school.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Tender, emotionally intelligent story about a child navigating cultural identity and belonging. Models resilience, self-acceptance, and the gentle process of finding comfort in a new environment. The tone is warm and validating of Yoon's feelings without being saccharine. Swiatkowska's dreamlike illustrations add emotional depth without overwhelming young readers.

Imaginative
88

Yoon's playful experimentation with different identities (CAT, BIRD, CUPCAKE) shows creative problem-solving and imaginative thinking. The visual contrast between Korean characters that 'dance' and English letters that 'stand alone' is a brilliant metaphor that invites kids to think about language and symbols in new ways. The dreamscapes in the illustrations open up imaginative space beyond the straightforward narrative.

Safe
98

Completely safe for young readers. No concerning content whatsoever. The emotional challenge Yoon faces (feeling isolated, missing home) is age-appropriate and handled with care—never scary or traumatic. Bank Street Best Children's Book designation and multiple 'Best of Year' awards from child-focused publications confirm professional vetting. Amazon rating of 4.9 suggests strong parent approval.

Enriching
94

Exceptional for building empathy around immigration, cultural identity, and what it feels like to be 'other.' Kids learn about Korean writing systems organically through the story. The book validates complex feelings about change and belonging—critical emotional literacy. Perfect for classroom discussions about names, identity, and welcoming newcomers. Listed as a diversity study text by ALSC (American Library Association), confirming educational value.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Makes the immigrant experience tangible and relatable for young kids—Yoon's feelings of isolation are validated without being heavy-handed
  • The visual metaphor of Korean characters 'dancing' vs. English letters 'standing alone' is genuinely clever and helps kids understand how language can feel
  • Yoon's playful identity experiments (wanting to be CAT or CUPCAKE) are funny and real—this is how kids actually think through big changes
  • Gorgeous, dreamlike illustrations that add emotional layers without needing words
  • Perfect conversation starter about names, belonging, and what makes us feel at home
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What to Watch For

  • Some kids might need help understanding why Yoon feels sad—it's a good opportunity to talk about what it's like to be new or different
  • The ending is subtle and quiet (Yoon decides to be herself), not a big dramatic resolution—some kids might want more 'action' but that's kind of the point

Conversation Starters

  • "What does your name mean? How would you feel if you had to write it in a completely different way?"
  • "If you could be any animal or thing for a day, what would you pick? Why do you think Yoon wanted to be a cat or a bird?"
  • "Have you ever felt like Yoon—like you didn't fit in somewhere new? What helped you feel better?"
  • "Why do you think Yoon's name looked 'happy' in Korean but felt different in English?"

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