Good Old-Fashioned Korean Spirit: A Graphic Novel - by Kim Hyun Sook & Ryan Estrada Hardcover

About the Book

"In 1980s South Korea, Taehee and her college dance club visit her granny's farm where they share their deepest secrets, rekindle the banned book club, and participate in a mysterious ceremony to celebrate Daeboreum"--

Book Synopsis

Acclaimed creators Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada are back with a lightly creepy yet hilarious young adult graphic novel about first love and friendship--perfect for fans of Huda F Cares and Pumpkinheads.

It's almost Daeboreum in 1980s South Korea--a holiday that celebrates the first full moon of the year. Taehee couldn't care less. All she wants is to spend time with her boyfriend Kiwoo, avoid her controlling father, and play music for her mask dance club. But Taehee's weird granny and her even weirder friends have other plans for Taehee: they drag her, Kiwoo, and the rest of the dance club to their remote farm to celebrate Daeboreum...the old-fashioned way.

As the group arrives at the farm, Taehee overhears her granny talking about ceremonies, ghosts, and possibly (probably) sacrificing her friends to evil spirits. And if that's not bad enough, Taehee just said those Three Little Words to Kiwoo that he can't seem to say back. Meanwhile, her friends are running wild with secrets--ones they definitely don't want the grannies to overhear. It seems like everyone is up to no good.

The first full moon of the year is about to arrive, and with it confessions that threaten to change everything. That is, of course, if they all make it out alive.

Featuring beloved characters from Banned Book Club and No Rules Tonight, Good Old-Fashioned Korean Spirit is a standalone story that melds tradition with the unexpected, and the spooky with the sweet.

Review Quotes

An Indie Next Pick
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

"A hopeful and entertaining exploration of a difficult era." --Kirkus Reviews

"VERDICT A fantastic read, a beautiful ­reflection on the past, and an ­exposition of human connection--platonic, familial, and romantic." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Kim Hyun Sook (she/her) was hunted down by the police for reading banned books in 1980s South Korea. Her Freeman Award-winning graphic novel about the experience, Banned Book Club, has now been banned in Florida. Kim is her family name. You can call her Hyun Sook.

Ryan Estrada (he/him) is the Eisner-nominated co-creator of Banned Book Club, No Rules Tonight, Occulted, Learn to Read Korean in 15 Minutes, and the Student Ambassador series. The best thing he's ever done is marry Hyun Sook. His work can be found at ryanestrada.com.