Bucky, a high-school football player, was born in Korea and only speaks English. His American stepmother filed paperwork for his citizenship, but the check bounced. After an altercation, he is accused of being an illegal immigrant, placed in a detention center, suffered in
…more humane treatment, and sent to Korea. In Korea, he discovers his father has run up debts in Bucky's name that must be paid, he is or isn't a Korean citizen, and must complete military service. This book is the story of his feelings, experiences in Korea, resiliency, and search for identity.
At first, I had difficulty getting into the book because of football references, guns, violence, and maleness. But the story of this poor young man's search for identity and belonging was heartbreaking. Once into Bucky's misadventure, I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to read the twists and turns of his story and how he used the lessons from football to navigate his struggles. How many young people today are being sent to a country where they don't speak the language and have no friends or family all because of failed immigration policies or government ineptitude? What happens to them? (less)
