What does it mean to be Principled? It’s about standing by our values, making ethical choices, and acting with integrity—even when the world challenges us. Two powerful books, The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le and Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, bring this trait to life through characters who must navigate difficult moral dilemmas while holding onto their beliefs.

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le

Vanessa Le’s The Last Bloodcarver is a masterfully woven tale of ethics, identity, and justice that brings the IB Learner Profile’s principled attribute to life. Through the journey of Nhika, a young woman burdened and blessed with the extraordinary power to alter human biology, Le crafts a narrative that challenges readers to consider the weight of their choices and the moral complexities of standing up for what is right.

Nhika’s struggle with ethical decision-making lies at the heart of the story. Her heartsoothing abilities are both feared and misunderstood by a society steeped in prejudice. Instead of calling her a heartsooth, people call her a bloodcarver. As Nhika grapples with how to use her powers—whether to harm, heal, or defend—her journey exemplifies the principled attribute, encouraging readers to reflect on the integrity and responsibility required to navigate moral dilemmas.

The story also shines in its advocacy for justice. Nhika’s defiance against systemic oppression and her fight for the dignity of her people serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for the marginalized. The author’s portrayal of Nhika’s resilience and courage inspires young adult readers to confront injustice and embrace their roles as socially responsible global citizens.

Rooted deeply in themes of cultural heritage, The Last Bloodcarver explores how Nhika’s connection to her ancestry shapes her sense of self in a world that seeks to erase it. This emphasis on respecting and understanding diverse identities resonates with the IB’s commitment to fostering global awareness and empathy.

Additionally, Le’s exploration of language and its power to shape societal attitudes adds a unique dimension to the story. By contrasting the fear-inducing term “bloodcarver” with the nurturing term “heartsoothe,” the book challenges readers to critically evaluate how language influences perception and identity, further emphasizing the importance of principled communication. 

In summary, The Last Bloodcarver seamlessly blends fantasy with profound ethical questions. Nhika’s moral dilemmas regarding her abilities highlight the importance of making principled choices. As she navigates a world that fears her powers, she must decide whether to use them for personal gain or for the greater good. This struggle mirrors the IB focus on integrity and ethical behavior in various contexts, inviting readers to reflect on their own values, their responsibility to others, and the courage required to act with integrity in a complex world. 

The Last Bloodcarver 

Written by Vanessa Le

2024, Roaring Brook Press

ISBN: 978-1250881526

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee 

Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko is an epic, multigenerational saga that delves into resilience, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of life as a Korean immigrant in Japan. It’s a story of survival, love, and identity, but at its core, it powerfully embodies the Principled trait of the IB Learner Profile.

Sunja, the heart of the novel, makes life-altering choices based on integrity and self-respect, refusing to compromise her values even when faced with poverty, discrimination, and hardship. Her sons, Noa and Mozasu, each wrestle with their own ethical dilemmas, struggling to reconcile their identities with the harsh realities of the world around them. Their journeys illustrate that being Principled isn’t always easy—it requires courage, conviction, and the willingness to stand by one’s beliefs, even in the face of injustice.

This book was a recommendation from a friend of mine when I was in Japan, but I kept postponing reading it because of its length. However, it turned out to be such a page-turner that I finished it within a week! Pachinko is a masterful novel that reminds us that integrity is often tested in life’s toughest moments—and that standing firm in our principles shapes not only our own lives but also the generations that follow.

Pachinko

Written by Min Jin Lee

2017, Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 978-1455563920

Both stories explore how being Principled is not just about doing what’s right—it’s about doing what’s right when it’s hardest. These novels remind us that integrity comes at a cost, but it also shapes who we are and the legacy we leave behind.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian, Founding Chair of the Toucan Award, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a-kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.