"Color of Heaven" by Kim Dong Hwa

This is the final installment in the Color trilogy by Hwa, illustrating his mother's adolescence in rural Korea. This story resumes when Duksam, Elwa's true love, leaves the village to work on a fishing boat. Elwa patiently waits for his return, as he's promised to build her a house and marry her. Elwa and her mother are pining for their men, and taking in the simple pleasures in their daily routine. Korean symbolism, folklore and superstition are interspersed in this calm and tender story about a mother and daughter's relationship, and the men in their lives. Some sexual situations, best for older teens.

"The Color of Earth" by Kim Dong Hwa

This is the first in a trilogy from Kim Dong Hwa (Color of Earth and Color of Heaven are 2 & 3). Each chapter corresponds to a year in young Ehwa's adolescence in rural Korea. Ehwa lives with her widowed mother who runs a modest, but successful tavern. The story follows Ehwa and her explorations in lust and love as she navigates puberty. This elegant manhwa (Korean comic) details two women's relationships with men, and the gossip and attention they draw in their small village. Delicate drawings and elegant language work to make this a beautiful story. With all of the story's feminine characteristics, it was surprising to learn the author is a man. Good for 8th grade and up.

"Echoes of the White Giraffe" by Sook Nyul Choi

Southern Korea's Pusan is home to many refugees from the Korean War, including 15-year-old Sookan. Sookan misses her old life in Seoul, and is anxiously awaiting news about her missing father and older brothers. To pass the time, she buries herself in her studies, and starts a forbidden friendship with a fellow choir member. This book chronicles her daily life as a refugee and how she copes with society's expectations of young Korean women. Very touching, coming-of-age, clean story. Recommended for 6th grade and up. This book is the sequel to "Year of Impossible Goodbyes."