Finding My Hat

Korean American immigrant coming-of-age; young adult realistic fiction

First Person Fiction

Hardcover

1st

1st

First Person

Fiction

192

2018-06-26 17:36:33

Semi-autobiographical first-person vignettes follow Jin-Han Park, the American-born son of Korean immigrants, from toddlerhood through early adolescence. The story begins when a gust of Chicago wind blows away his acorn-shaped hat, an incident that becomes a recurring metaphor for searching for identity. As his parents chase the American dream—buying and running wig shops that move the family from Chicago to Memphis to Texas—Jin-Han navigates feeling different because of his Korean language, food, name, and appearance while trying to fit into American schools and culture. Through a series of often quiet, observant, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny episodes, he experiments with different literal hats and roles, experiences friendship and first crushes, and gradually finds a balance between kimchi and corn dogs, between family expectations and his own desires. The book uses Korean words and includes a brief glossary, offering an intimate look at family dynamics, culture clash, and the universal struggles of growing up between two worlds.

Scholastic Paperbacks

9780439435390

United States

2003-10-01

2003

2003

1

English

New York

Times New Roman

Yes

~$6.99

2025-11-23

2018-06-26 17:36:33