Our Graphic Novel Preview series invites readers to look inside graphic novels. This month, we’re highlighting the emotionally engrossing middle-grade graphic novel A Sky of Paper Stars by Susie Yi.
A Sky of Paper Stars is a heartrending middle-grade graphic novel by Susie Yi about a girl’s ill-fated wish to fit in, perfect for readers of Stargazing and Pashmina.
All Yuna wants is to belong. She wants to go to sleepovers, have a smart phone, and go to summer camp—just like her friends in middle school.
Furious at her Umma for never packing her a “normal” American lunch, they get into yet another fight. Out of options and miserable, Yuna remembers a legend that her grandma, Halmoni, told her. If you fold 1,000 paper stars, you will be granted one wish.
When she reaches 1,000 paper stars, Yuna wishes for her family to move back to Korea, where she can finally be normal. Seconds later: a knock at her door. It’s her sister with devastating news. Halmoni has died and they must go back to Korea to attend the funeral.
Yuna knows this is all her fault. As her guilt builds, her body begins to turn into paper. Yuna realizes she must undo her wish and bring her Halmoni back—or turn into paper forever.
Wholly heartbreaking and with light touches of magic realism, A Sky of Paper Stars is a captivating graphic novel about identity, family, and the love that can bridge generations.
Praise for A Sky of Paper Stars:
“I can’t rave enough about A Sky of Paper Stars. It is charming, heartfelt and a joy to read. It’s a beautiful story about grief and belonging that all ages can relate to. This graphic novel is a triumph for so many Korean American kids feeling caught between two cultures. Every page touched my heart and left me wishing I could give this book to my younger self.” – Michelle Mee Nutter, Eisner nominated, best-selling illustrator of Allergic
“Heartbreakingly beautiful! Such a simple, poignant story, brought to life in a fresh way by a talented storyteller and illustrator.” Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times best selling author of the Loveboat, Taipei series
“A heartfelt and magical journey about belonging and identity that will have you rooting for Yuna.” —Remy Lai, award-winning author of Pie In the Sky
“A Sky of Paper Stars is a complex story of belonging that is beautifully told through charming illustrations and honest truth.” Victoria Ying, author-illustrator of City of Secrets and Hungry Ghost
