The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho

This fictional graphic novel follows two children from North Korea whose paths cross. An eleven-year-old girl becomes an orphan and a ten-year-old boy waits for his mom to send for him from China. The story follows them as they escape North Korea to China, from China to Laos, Laos to Thailand, and finally to America. Along the way they face many perils and danger including being imprisoned in China and discovered in Laos.

Ages: 8-12, but teens could benefit from and enjoy as well

Although this story is fictional, its core is rooted in real-life experiences. It is a deeply moving and humbling reminder of the incredible freedom we have in America. The author skillfully portrays not only the terrifying events but also how children would process such experiences. We empathize with the characters as they endure the death of loved ones, cross borders in secret, escape from captivity, lie about who they are, face arrests, endure imprisonment, and confront capture at gunpoint, and bribe soliders.

This book is published by a secular publisher, but the author, Tina Cho, is a Christian. Although I wouldn’t label it as a Christian book, there are subtle Christian elements woven throughout. Some characters are Christians who encourage the children to pray and remind them that God loves them. While the book doesn’t explicitly present the Gospel, a pastor shares about Jesus and the importance of forgiving others.

“Even Jesus forgave the soldiers who beat him and killed him on the cross. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. If you want to live a happy life, you can’t hold hatred in your heart. Instead of anger and bitterness, welcome love into your soul. Jesus loves you. He is always with you, and through his love you will be truly free.”

Overall, this is a deeply moving story that can help Western children look beyond their own country and understand the realities faced by people in other parts of the world.

Language: 

One character wishes for luck.

The boy says he hates the guards (for killing his father).

Violence:

In addition to those moments listed above, there is also a public execution of one of the children’s uncle. While the execution itself is not depicted, we do see the people on a stage with white bags over their heads.

One of the children kills a cobra with a machete.

A prisoner is beaten for not performing her duties fast enough.

Other Things to Note:

There is a brief retelling of the story of Paul and Silas in jail, but there is one odd line. It reads, “Paul and Silas weren’t afraid. Instead they sang and hoped and prayed. An angel opened the prison doors. Paul and Silas left the floor. A miracle!” Perhaps “left the floor” is meant to summarize Paul and Silas leaving with the jailer, but it thought it slightly strange.

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