Join us for a profound exploration of When Spring Comes to the DMZ, a powerful picture book by Uk-Bae Lee that contrasts the natural beauty of the Korean Demilitarized Zone with its harsh reality of division. Through vivid illustrations, the story follows a grandfather who longs to reunite with his homeland, offering a poignant reflection on separation, resilience, and hope. This program is sponsored by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia with a special collaboration with the Freeman Book Awards.
Discover an insightful book talk on When Spring Comes to the DMZ by Uk-Bae Lee, a poignant picture book that captures the stark realities and quiet hopes surrounding the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Tailored for educators, this discussion will explore how the book’s themes of division, nature’s resilience, and the longing for reunification can be integrated into the classroom. This book talk will be guided by Nancy Hope, Executive Director of the Freeman Book Awards.
Through vivid illustrations, the book invites young readers into the natural beauty of the DMZ, where salmon, spotted seals, and mountain goats thrive in a 2.5-mile-wide, 150-mile-long corridor untouched by human activity. Yet this flourishing landscape is framed by rusty razor wire, warning signs, and locked gates—constant reminders of a decades-long division enforced since the 1953 ceasefire. Uk-Bae Lee’s powerful artwork contrasts these realities, fostering a vision of a peaceful world without war or barriers, where separated families reunite and live in harmony with nature. Told through the eyes of a grandfather who returns each year to look upon his former homeland, the story culminates in a breathtaking foldout panorama, imagining a future where the gates are flung open and loved ones walk freely once more. When Spring Comes to the DMZ offers a powerful entry point for discussing the unfinished history of the Korean Peninsula and global issues of borders and reunification, making it a valuable resource for sparking meaningful classroom discussions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching with a story that bridges history, politics, and hope in a way that resonates with young learners.
👉Register here!
What the talk will cover:
When Spring Comes to the DMZ provides readers with a unique lens through which to understand the division of the Korean Peninsula. Through the eyes of a grandfather who returns each year to gaze across the heavily fortified border, the book contrasts the untouched natural beauty of the DMZ with the ever-present signs of separation—razor wire, locked gates, and military patrols. The story’s exploration of nature’s quiet resilience alongside human longing for reunification adds a profound depth, making it an essential read for educators interested in the intersection of history, politics, and personal narratives.
During this book talk, we will discuss the themes, illustrations, and historical context that make When Spring Comes to the DMZ a powerful and timely read. Attendees will gain insights into how the book can be used to foster critical thinking and discussions about borders, war, and the hope for peace and reunification. The first 25 teachers receive a FREE copy of this book, winner of the 2019 Freeman Book Awards for Children’s Literature!
Benefits:
Certificate of completion by USCI
Contact hours for Los Angeles Unified School District
Teaching About Asia Resources
Schedule:
45 minutes - Presentation
25 minutes - Q & A
20 minutes - Teachers' discussion