Seesaw Girl by Linda Sue Park Essay Example

the book, there are still stark differences in culture brought about by the passing of time. However, this does not mean that the reader would not be able to relate to or understand the characters in the story.From the very beginning, the first chapter shows Jade and Willow playing an elaborate prank on the boys.

Even though there is some cultural significance to the fact that they messed with the brushes only the boys could use, the act of playing a prank on your sibling or being the sibling who falls victim to the prank is something that most can relate to. Immediately, this fun beginning to the story shows the reader that despite the strange time and setting, this is a coming-of-age story just like any other.This girl who could have lived so many centuries ago, the reader will realize, is not too different from “you or me”. In a way, her losing Willow is just like any kid whose childhood friend suddenly moves away, her not being able to go outside would be just like how any kid feels when her parents would not let her do something because they say they know what is best for her. The reader only needs to take these shared feelings and imagine dealing with them on a daily basis to understand what Jade might be feeling or experiencing.The reader could even learn to sympathize with other characters, like Jade’s brother, Tiger, who has privileges that come with responsibilities even though he did not ask for them.

He willingly enough shares these privileges with Jade, giving her sweets, telling her of the things he sees, and even

going so far as to help steal charcoal and paper for her. Tiger is a loving big brother just like any other big brother. The most compelling argument is probably brought about by Jade’s mother after Jade had been brought home from the marketplace.When Jade’s mother tells her to do her chores with a willing heart as punishment and Jade asks her if that is enough, she says that she has learned to make it enough. This shows the reader, and Jade, that everyone wants to be somewhere or someone different; everyone deals with a little discontentment sometimes and needs to find one’s own happiness.

Seesaw Girl teaches the reader that no matter where, or when, you might live, everyone at one point or another shares the struggles of wanting to be free, to be heard, to be happy, and to be yourself.