If It Hadnt Been for Yoon Jun CL

Lee ( Finding My Voice ) mixes the issues of racial intolerance and ethnic pride with the otherwise typical seventh-grade angst of Alice Larsen, a Korean-born Minnesotan. Adopted as an infant, she feels totally American, and resists her father's efforts to interest her in her Korean background. The only Asian at school, she's also a cheerleader and the object of a handsome athlete's attentions. Then Yoon Jun, a new classmate from Korea, arrives, and Mr. Larsen gently pressures Alice to befriend him. Alice doesn't like any reminder that she's adopted, and she also fear that any association with Yoon Jun could ruin her popularity. Lee adroitly contrasts blatant prejudice (through the cruel taunts of a school bully and his equally ignorant father) with Alice's less vocal snobbery toward anyone ``different,'' including Julie, a Native American. Alice's turnaround is well handled and instructive; she's a character readers will understand and recognize. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)