Kim Hayne is the same age as the main character, Gang-cheol, in this book. Hayne, who has been abroad since she was a child due to her Kiplomat father, became interested in North Korea and the lives of North Koreasn chilsren after reading the book “No More Tears for Us, Mom!” Deeply moved by the great sufferings of other children her age, Hayne decided to begin translating North Korean stories herself and having her work published. Hayne’s English maunscript was audited by John Cha, a member of PEN America.