The Other Side of Tomorrow
A Graphic Novel
Published on 14. August 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-0-06-301107-6 (ISBN)
Description
Booklist Editor's Choice of 2024: Books for Youth
School Library Journal Best Book of 2024
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2024
2025 ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List
2026 TLA Maverick Graphic Novel List
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Perfect for fans of Illegal and When Stars Are Scattered, this poignant and moving graphic novel in verse captures the dangers and hope that come with fleeing North Korea and reaching for a brighter future through the lives of Yunho and Myunghee.
From never knowing where they'll find their next meal to avoiding soldiers lurking at every corner, many North Koreans have learned that sticking around can be just as deadly as attempting to flee . . . almost.
Both shy, resourceful Yunho and fierce, vibrant Myunghee know this. So when they each resolve to run away from the bleak futures they face, it's with the knowledge that they could be facing a fate worse than death.
While Yunho hopes to reunite with his omma, who snuck across the border years ago, Myunghee is reaching for dreams that are bigger than anything the regime would allow her to have. The two are strangers to each other until a chance encounter unwittingly intertwines their fates and Myunghee saves Yunho's life.
Kept together by their dreams for a brighter future, they face a road plagued by poisonous jungle snakes, corrupt soldiers, and the daily fear of discovery and imprisonment. But with every step toward freedom, there is also hope. Will it be enough for both of them to make it to safety without losing each other along the way?
School Library Journal Best Book of 2024
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2024
2025 ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List
2026 TLA Maverick Graphic Novel List
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Perfect for fans of Illegal and When Stars Are Scattered, this poignant and moving graphic novel in verse captures the dangers and hope that come with fleeing North Korea and reaching for a brighter future through the lives of Yunho and Myunghee.
From never knowing where they'll find their next meal to avoiding soldiers lurking at every corner, many North Koreans have learned that sticking around can be just as deadly as attempting to flee . . . almost.
Both shy, resourceful Yunho and fierce, vibrant Myunghee know this. So when they each resolve to run away from the bleak futures they face, it's with the knowledge that they could be facing a fate worse than death.
While Yunho hopes to reunite with his omma, who snuck across the border years ago, Myunghee is reaching for dreams that are bigger than anything the regime would allow her to have. The two are strangers to each other until a chance encounter unwittingly intertwines their fates and Myunghee saves Yunho's life.
Kept together by their dreams for a brighter future, they face a road plagued by poisonous jungle snakes, corrupt soldiers, and the daily fear of discovery and imprisonment. But with every step toward freedom, there is also hope. Will it be enough for both of them to make it to safety without losing each other along the way?
Reviews / Votes
"This gripping graphic novel about childhood under dictator Kim Jong Un balances horror and wonder in both its poetic language and vibrant imagery." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Cho's graphic novel-in-verse is an extraordinary dual-voiced narrative. [And] what makes this title unforgettable is phenomenal, Ignatz-winning artist Lee's breathtaking artwork." - Booklist (starred review)
"An exquisitely crafted story of perseverance and hope." - Gabriela Rodriguez Epstein, bestselling cocreator of Invisible
"Each nerve-racking twist and turn reveals the deep humanity and heroism of the refugee experience."
- Minh Le, award-winning author of Drawn Together and Lift
"Both urgent and timeless, brave and vulnerable, drawn as if through the lens of memory itself. This beautiful story is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn the true meaning of courage." - Samuel Sattin, author of Unico: Awakening
"Visually stunning and narratively captivating. Truly powerful storytelling at every page." - Jose Pimienta, author of Twin Cities
"A captivating glimpse into a world unseen-this unique story of survival is a stunning fusion of poetry and art." - Debbie Fong, author of Next Stop
"A gripping and impactful story of courage, resilience, and hope brought to life." - Christina Diaz Gonzalez, bestselling author of Invisible and The Red Umbrella
"Triumphant, moving, and unforgettable." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Despite the bleak circumstances, Cho's characters grow emotionally. Lee's detailed, cinematic digital illustrations vividly convey the refugees' journey." - Horn Book (starred review)
"This gut-wrenching story of hope and resilience needs to find its way to all readers' hands." - School Library Journal (starred review)
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Third Grade to Seventh Grade, Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Dimensions
Height: 200 mm
Width: 137 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
374 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-301107-6 (9780063011076)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2024
HarperCollins
€10.89
Available for download
Persons
Tina Cho is the author of Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans, Korean Celebrations: Festivals, Holidays and Traditions, My Breakfast with Jesus: Worshipping God Around the World, The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story, and God's Little Astronomer. Her lyrical middle grade graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow, debuts from HarperAlley in 2024. After living in South Korea for ten years and meeting North Koreans, Tina, her husband, and her two kids reside in Iowa, where Tina also teaches kindergarten.
Deb JJ Lee (they/them) is a trans nonbinary artist based in Brooklyn, New York. They have appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, NPR, Google, Radiolab, and more. They are known for their award-winning graphic memoir, In Limbo, about mental illness and difficult relationships with trauma. Their cat, Marlie, has three teeth.
Deb JJ Lee (they/them) is a trans nonbinary artist based in Brooklyn, New York. They have appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, NPR, Google, Radiolab, and more. They are known for their award-winning graphic memoir, In Limbo, about mental illness and difficult relationships with trauma. Their cat, Marlie, has three teeth.