When My Name Was Keoko

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-9

Reading Check

1. According to Sun-hee, what are the “two opposite things” one has to do in order to learn information as a girl?

2. What is the emperor’s new edict in Chapter 2?

3. What does Uncle draw for Tae-yul and Sun-hee?

4. What is Kanji?

5. What did Omoni decide to do with the rose of Sharon tree?

6. What major event happens in Chapter 9?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe the ways in which the Japanese invasion of Korea has affected Sun-hee’s daily life.

2. Summarize the major event that Sun-hee describes in Chapter 3. Why does Uncle become so angry? What happens as a result of his anger in Chapter 4?

3. What mistake does Sun-hee make in Chapter 5? What is the result of this mistake?

4. Compare and contrast Tae-yul’s and Sun-hee’s interest in school.

5. Why is there a rice shortage in occupied Korea? What does the family do to combat this shortage?

6. What business decision does Uncle make in Chapter 8? Describe how this decision affects his relationship with Abuji.

Paired Resources

“Lessons in Olympic Spirit From 'Japan's' Korean Gold Medallist Live On”

• This Reuters article discusses the silent protest of Korean Olympic runner Sohn Kee-Chung in the 1936 Berlin Games.
• How is Sohn Kee-Chung’s act of defiance an example of the theme Resistance and Liberation Occurs Differently for Every Individual?

“Invasion of Manchuria”

• This article on the Former President Truman’s Library and archives website links the war in Manchuria to the outcome of WWII for the Japanese.
• How did Japan’s invasion of Manchuria affect its role globally during WWII?

Chapters 10-20

Reading Check

1. Why does Mrs. Ahn only want to learn how to count to five in Japanese?

2. Tae-yul states, “What they take: our rice, our language, our names.” What does he say “they” give?

3. What does Sun-hee believe Tomo brings her in Chapter 13?

4. What is an “accounting” session called in Chapter 14?

5. Which new activity is Tae-yul excited to join in Chapter 16?

6. What are the Special Attack Unit pilots called?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Who is Mrs. Ahn? Describe Sun-hee’s general perception of her, as well as what happens during the first “accounting” session.

2. What happens to Tae-yul’s bicycle? Describe his reaction to the situation.

3. Summarize what Sun-hee learns about Uncle’s true activities. What happens as a result?

4. What mistake does Sun-hee realize she makes in Chapter 15? Describe her reaction.

5. Why is Sun-hee concerned about a possible American invasion? How is this fear eased by the reception of leaflets in Chapter 17?

6. What does Sun-hee start keeping in Chapter 17? Describe how she responds when the Japanese soldiers destroy this item.

Paired Resource

“Kamikaze Pilots”

• The National Museum of the United States Navy provides a brief overview, as well as primary sources, related to Japanese kamikaze pilots.
• Based on the novel as well as the above resource, explain how a soldier’s desire to be a kamikaze pilot connects to the theme Sacrifice and Struggle Deepen the Appreciation for Community.

“Koreans in Japan’s WWII Military”

• Koreanmedals.com discusses the role of Koreans who fought for Japan during WWII, including pictures of soldiers and medals.
• Based on the novel as well as the above resource, how did Koreans support the Japanese military during wartime?

Chapters 21-32

Reading Check

1. How does Tae-yul ask Sun-hee to help him in Chapter 23?

2. Which two special items do Omoni and Sun-hee pack for Tae-yul’s journey?

3. In what special assignment will Tae-yul participate?

4. What different speech does Tae-yul’s commanding officer give the special assignment recruits in Chapter 28?

5. What announcement does the block leader make in Chapter 29?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Tae-yul share with Sun-hee in order to calm her down in Chapter 21?

2. What does the officer at the police station try to convince Tae-yul to do? How does Tae-yul respond?

3. What does Tae-yul’s family send him? What does Tae-yul actually receive?

4. Describe how Tae-yul prepares for his special assignment. What does his last night look like?

5. Summarize the letter from Ms. Lim. What unusual fact does the letter reveal about one of Sun-hee’s neighbors?

6. Which unexpected visitor comes to Sun-hee’s house in Chapter 30? Describe what surprising information this visitor learns about Abuji.

Recommended Next Reads 

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

• This 2002 historical novel set in the Dominican Republic features a young girl whose family is targeted by the secret police after they are suspected of opposing the ruthless dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.
• Shared topics include courage, rebellion, and family.
• Shared themes include Resistance and Liberation Occur Differently for Every Individual and Sacrifice and Struggle Deepen the Appreciation for Community.
• Before We Were Free on SuperSummary

SeeSaw Girl by Linda Sue Park

• This 1999 novel centers on a 17th-century Korean girl who cannot leave the confines of her family’s aristocratic court.
• Shared topics include courage, cultural identity, and rebellion.
• A shared theme is Resistance and Liberation Occur Differently for Every Individual.

The Phantom of Greatness by Chi Sun Ree

• This first book in a four-part epic novel series describes the Japanese occupation of Korea.
• Shared topics include war, cultural identity, and rebellion.
• Shared themes include Resistance and Liberation Occur Differently for Every Individual, Sacrifice and Struggle Deepen the Appreciation for Community, and The Ability to Shift Morals and Expectations During War.