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43 pages 1 hour read

Project Mulberry

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Linda Sue Park

Project Mulberry

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary America • 2000s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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Super Short Summary

In Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park, seventh grader Julia Song and her friend Patrick undertake a project to raise silkworms for a state fair competition. Facing challenges such as acquiring a mulberry tree, dealing with racism, and grappling with her Korean identity, Julia learns about friendship, sustainability, and cultural heritage.

Informative

Emotional

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.1

4,189 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park has received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Korean American culture and the inclusion of educational elements about silkworms and farming. Readers appreciate the relatable, diverse characters and the engaging narrative style. However, some feel the story could delve deeper into emotional complexities and cultural identity conflicts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Project Mulberry?

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park is ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy heartwarming, culturally rich stories about family and friendship. Fans of Hoot by Carl Hiaasen and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo will appreciate this novel's blend of engaging characters and meaningful life lessons.

4.1

4,189 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

JULIA SONG

A Korean American girl navigating her identity while engaging in a silkworm project with the Wiggle Club. She learns traditional Korean embroidery techniques from her mother and struggles with balancing her heritage with her American life.

Julia's best friend and neighbor, a white boy who is interested in her Korean heritage and helps research their silkworm project. He is motivated to overcome his fear of worms and is supportive of Julia throughout the story.

A retired Black man who owns a mulberry tree and becomes friends with Julia and Patrick as they work on their silkworm project. He serves as a mentor to them, providing guidance in both gardening and cultural understanding.

Head of the Wiggle Club and a sustainable farmer, he mentors Patrick and Julia on their project but struggles to fully understand Julia's concerns. His perspective highlights challenges related to privilege and understanding immigrant experiences.

Julia’s young brother who joins the silkworm project, offering fresh insights and showing unexpected compassion. His actions and reflections contribute positively to the project and Julia’s evolving relationships.

The author’s self-insert character who appears to discuss the story with Julia, offering insights into the creative writing process and imparting lessons in empathy and teamwork. Her interactions with Julia are integral to the storyline.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary America • 2000s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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