살아남기 위해 꽃제비가 된 소년 영대
유일한 가족, 누나를 만나기 위해 두만강을 건너다

1990년대 북한의 “고난의 행군” 시절을 소설로 재현
평범한 소년이 꽃제비, 죄수, 탈북자가 되기까지 과정을 생생히 그려내다
지금, 우리가 주목해야 할 북한 어린이들의 인권 실태
전 세계 독자들과 만나기 위해 영문판 출간


YEONG-DAE IS A YOUNG BOY WHO HAS TO BEG ON THE STREETS AS A KKOTJEBI JUST TO SURVIVE.
HE CROSSES THE TUMEN RIVER TO FIND HIS SISTER, HIS ONLY SURVIVING FAMILY.

As North Korea undergoes a devastating famine, Yeong-dae loses both his parents and is forced to beg on the streets. Soon, this young boy sets off on a desperate journey to China to find his sister---his last living family member. Captured by the authorities, he is sent back to the North, where he is thrown in jail and tortured. Once he is finally released, he crosses the Tumen River again, more determined than ever to find a place where he can live a decent life. This inspiring tale offers a glimpse into the horrors faced by North Korean children---and their indomitable will to survive.

“When I started reading this book, I found myself amazed that the author seemed to understand North Korean society even better than me---and I used to live there! I was sucked into the story, and it felt less like reading a novel and more like reliving my childhood and escape from North Korea. Around 25,000 North Koreans have defected to the South as of 2013, and it seemed like the heartbreaking tale of each defector was distilled into this story.” - Kim Young-il, president of PSCORE

Foreword
Preface

The Border
Kids’ Work
Big Sister
Strange Songgi Balls
Mother
Grandmother’s House
Sunam Market
Kkotjebi
I’m Sorry, Yeong-ok
On to Musan
The Night Crossing
The Elderly Acupuncturist
The Trip to Wangqing
The Detention Center Outside of North Korea
The Detention Center Inside of North Korea
Back at the Old House
The People in the Cave
Barbecued Ribs in Shenyang
A Tour of Xita
Reunion
Yeong-ran’s Secret
Meiyang’s Little Hand

Epilogue