This book was a neat surprise. Packed into this short graphic novel format book was a really neat and educational historical fiction tale. Even better, it shows Christianity in a positive light.

Young readers are taken on an emotional tale, as the author attempts (in a beautifully illustrated way) to help them understand what many people went through (go through) in an attempt to escape the oppressive regime of North Korea. This is historical fiction done well, where the child gets to place themselves into the story, with the perspective coming through characters who are children like them. It is also a really great way for them to get glimpses of what it would be like to live in a place where the government suppressed (suppresses) freedoms many of us take for granted in western civilization. There is a really great ending note for kids to hear more on this.

The Christian aspect gets introduced through one of the heroes of the story, a pastor who leads the effort to help people in what is effectively a version of the Underground Railroad, in this case helping people run from the dictator run nation of deception in North Korea. This pastor shares, “Remember, God is watching over us, loving us” to which the main character ponders, “We sing a song to this God for success. But who is this God?” (may our actions cause this same question to those around us!). Later, when in trouble, we read, “I say a silent prayer like pastor taught us”. This same pastor shares about the absolute radical forgiveness (pointing to forgiving even the worst of rulers). Again, this sparks a wonderful response, “Who is this Jesus who can forgive others so easily?”. Later this character acknowledges, “Pastor was right. Lee was right. Peace flows into my heart instead of anger and bitterness… gives way to love. I bow my head and say a prayer of thanks”. The main character gives thanks “for people who want to help without receiving payment. This is sacrificial love like Pastor described. I’m starting to understand”. We also read “Jesus, will you care for me?”, “May God bless you all”, they sing Silent Night and a reference to Paul and Silas in prison. A character comments, “Even in the worst situations, God is with us… In the meantime, continue to hope and pray”. We are really glad about the addition of this content and seeing another example of Christian’s being Jesus’ hands and feet across this world.

This book gives us a glimpse of how Jesus wants His children, those called by His name, to respond to situations like this. While others argue over political responses, we are without a doubt called to love. There will be differences in different situations on exactly how that looks, but whatever it looks like we are to walk how He walked. We are to give sacrificial love and pray earnestly. May He be glorified.