King Sejong Invents an Alphabet

In 15th-century Korea, King Sejong was distressed. The complicated Chinese characters used for reading and writing meant only rich, educated people could read—and that was just the way they wanted it. But King Sejong thought all Koreans should be able to read and write, so he worked in secret for years to create a new Korean alphabet. King Sejong’s strong leadership and determination to bring equality to his country make his 600-year-old story as relevant as ever.

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  • 32 Pages
  • 8" x 10"
  • 9780807541616
  • October 2021

Buy from Albert Whitman

  • 9780807541623
  • October 2021

Reviews

  • An artful telling of the birth of an alphabet.

    - Kirkus Reviews

  • An engaging, informative, and accessible biography with bright, inviting artwork about man who had a major impact on language and the marginalized citizens of his country.

    - School Library Journal

  • This picture book unfolds like a folktale as Sejong becomes a benevolent ruler who cares just as much for the underprivileged as for the rich and creates his new alphabet in secret, defying opposition from those in power.

    - Booklist

Awards & Accolades

  • A Junior Library Guild Selection March 2022

Illustrator

Cindy Kang

 

  • Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5
  • ATOS Level: 5.4