OP #5 (the last one!!!)

1. I really thought that there would be more. It sort of just ended and there wasn't very much about their reaction, or their following behaviors. It was satisfying, but I feel there could've been more to it. The conflicts that are resolved are the separation of Hideyo and Ko and Yoko. The unresolved conflicts are money, heat, new shoes, school, and their father being missing. I'm not sure why Yoko ended the book, I think that there wasn't very much to follow within a few years. I think that she could've explained that she did not attend school anymore, or she scraped up money and did return from school, or she could've talked about how close they were with Hideyo after his return.

2. I think that they wanted to become closer to their customs. They might have had more appreciation for it because they realized how fortunate they really were. I think that I would've tried to be as religious and traditional as possible because that would make me feel a little closer to the place I was living in. Also, I think that Yoko explained a lot of traditions because she wanted to educate more people about the Japanese customs.

3. I think that I admire Ko the most. She's strong, intelligent, and really cares for Yoko's well-being. She gave so much to help Yoko grow beautifully as a girl. She held strong when her mother died, she went to a very good school and she was caring toward Yoko.

4. I learned a lot about the Japanese traditions, the war going on at the time, and family bonds. I learned that the war impacted so many lives and it really messed up some people's lives. That the schools in Japan are not that different from the schools here. Also that the Korean Communists Army was indescribably evil and merciless.
I think that Yoko should've mentioned that her father was eventually reunited with them. Also, I would like to hear more about the family that was so hospitable to Ko and Yoko. They were ever so nice and I wish Ko and Yoko could've repaid them.

5. I think that the theme or moral of this story is strength in smaller weaker people, like Yoko. You should never underestimate anyone because then things will surprise you or disappoint you more. I think that also you should always have faith in people because they're most likely stronger than you think. Yoko and Ko would probably be considered the weaker of the citizens. But from their performances, they were very very very strong, mentally and physically (more mentally though).