Sometimes a news story sticks in a writer’s head. That’s usually a good sign that it will make a great story, just as it did in today’s picture book.

Korena Di Roma Howley is a freelance journalist and editor and was a finalist for the 2022 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship Program and the 2022 PBParty. Sarang Saves the School is her picture book debut. She lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, with her husband and son. You can learn more about her at her website or follow her on Instagram or BlueSky.

SARANG SAVES THE SCHOOL is a creative nonfiction picture book. Why creative nonfiction? Well, it’s based on an actual story that really happened! In this story, young Sarang lives in a fishing village in South Korea that is dwindling. People keep moving away because jobs keep evaporating. Sarang finds herself surrounded in her small classroom by empty desks. She finds things to like about such a small class, but she worries when she overhears grown ups talking about her school possibly shutting down. Boy! Do I get her worry! In these strange and changing times, this is a very real fear for small rural communities. We Alaskans understand this all too well. And yet, the story doesn’t end there. Instead, Sarang comes up with a genius plan to save her school and keep her family even more connected than it already is: invite her grandma to school to start learning with her. Her grandma (and many of the grandmas in the village) were never able to learn to read; instead they were needed at home to help. Sarang’s solution is both touching and brilliant.

Welcome Korena!

Me: Can you tell us a little bit about your writing journey? When did you start writing picture books? How has that brought you to writing this picture book?

Korena: When my son was born, it had been a while since I’d written creatively. I started contemplating it again in that strange, liminal space created by frequent but fragile newborn naps. The idea of writing picture books specifically didn’t come for another year and a half or so, but it made sense in every way when it did. I love short forms and poetic prose. I love experimenting with language. And I loved watching my son respond to books in a way that felt elemental.

Sarang Saves the School was actually one of the first picture book ideas I had. I initially wanted to write narrative nonfiction, an area I felt comfortable with as a freelance journalist, and I was playing around with ideas when I remembered this news account that I had read the year before. 

Me: I love this story about a rural school on the edge of closure that is rescued by grandmas returning to school. I understand it’s based on a true story. What was it about this story that grabbed you? What gave you the idea to turn it into a picture book?

Korena: Thank you, Jena! Several things drew me to the story—the triumphs, of course, made bittersweet by the shadow of societal barriers. Memories of my own Korean grandmother. But I think, in particular, it made me reflect on possibilities, and when it came time to try something new myself, it spoke to the part of me that wondered if I could.

Me: Did you have to do a lot of research for this story?  Can you tell us a bit about that process for this story?

Korena: Ultimately, yes. I read as many news stories as I could find and watched a wonderful program produced by Al Jazeera (it’s available in full here). I researched the history of education in South Korea, current demographic trends, modern life in rural areas, and what the school experience is like for both teachers and students today, including schedules and meals. I talked to my mom and thought back to the years I spent in South Korea as a child. 

Most of my research never made it directly into the story, but it was important for me to get the details as accurate as possible. For instance, I imagine that Halmeoni is widowed and living with her eldest child and his family (as has long been custom, though traditions are evolving), and that she has a close group of friends her age and responsibilities that include earning an income—all of which would make moving to the city with Sarang and her family impractical. And while Halmeoni had several children (the son she lives with, Sarang’s mom, the daughters she writes letters to), Sarang is an only child, reflecting modern Korean realities. Of course, not all of these things are apparent as you read, but I think they serve to send the story in logical directions. And, of course, Joowon Oh’s lovely illustrations add another layer entirely, with details that brought me right back to childhood. 

Me: I love that this is based on a real story. Your main character feels so tangible. Is Sarang based on a real person? If not, what made you decide to take the fictional route for this story?

Korena: This story, and the character of Sarang, are entirely fictional. But I’m glad she feels tangible! Going into the project, I intended to approach it as nonfiction, but it risked feeling like a reported piece that was simply adapted for children. Fictionalizing the story allowed me to center a child, give her agency, and focus on the impact that these changes might have on a single family within their wider community.

Me: I love that! The illustrations by Joowon Oh are so fun! I love the way she captures life in this small town and Sarang’s emotions. Any illustration surprises for you? Any favorites?

Korena: If anything, I was surprised by how quickly Joowon’s illustrations became part of the story for me. I love how well she captures the town and its various settings. And when Sarang rides past Halmeoni’s house or the shop on her bicycle, you understand her rootedness to this place. She’s a part of it, and vice versa. But my favorite illustration may be the very last one. It’s such a beautiful moment. 

Me: What is one thing that surprised you in writing this story?

Korena: Probably just how difficult it was! For instance, how to explain the why of it all? Sarang’s parent’s restaurant was actually a late addition, but it became the perfect setting for conversations about how and why the town is changing. And giving them a business, a community gathering place that may or may not survive without them, extended the ramifications beyond the families directly affected.

Me: Any advice for new picture book writers?

Korena: Picture books can seem fairly straightforward, but it’s important to take the time to understand what differentiates them from other forms. They’re a unique amalgamation—books meant to be experienced jointly by a reader with a grasp of language and a listener who’s also following art with rich visual layers, humor, and irony. Ask yourself how you can tap into what makes this experience enjoyable for both.

That is great advice Korena. Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

But wait, dear readers! There’s more! Korena has agreed to a giveaway of one copy of her book. This is open to contestants in the US and Canada only. You can enter the Rafflecopter here. Good luck!