A Step From Heaven (An Na)

Na, An. A step from heaven. Asheville, NC: Front Street, 2001. ISBN     9780142500279

Summary
Growing up is no easy task. Young Ju’s story is no different. Born in Korea and transplanted at four to America, she learns what sacrifices her family has made for her to experience the land of opportunity- a land that is “a step from heaven”. Through beautiful and sometimes painful glimpses into Young Ju’s life the reader watches as she grows into herself amongst the challenges of poverty, abuse, and acculturation.

Critical Analysis
A Step from Heaven is a realistic portrayal of emigration from ones home country to America. Young Ju’s family progresses through individual stages of excitement, loss, and renewed hope when they travel to America. The reader stays closely attuned to the ever curious, intelligent Young Ju as she matures from a young preschooler in Korea to a high school graduate in America.

Difficult, but important topics are addressed in this coming of age story, including the alcoholism and physical abuse of a father. Young Ju grapples with these issues as well as the balancing of being a good Korean daughter ad a typical American girl. In the end, readers will find relief when Young Ju finds herself by understanding and appreciating both her past and her future.

Awards and Review Excerpts
Michael L. Printz Award
New Your Times Book Review Notable Book
2001 National Book Award Nominee
BookList- “the coming-of-age drama will grab teens and make them think”
Publisher’s Weekly- “at times wrenching, at times triumphant and consistently absorbing”
School Library Journal- “A beautifully written, affecting work”

Connections
Discuss and celebrate cultural heritage with students after reading this book.
Invite adults from the community to share their own immigration stories.
Discuss signs of abuse and actions to take in abusive situations.
Recommend these books to readers who enjoyed A Step From Heaven.
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         Company, 2009. ISBN 0316013692
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    Ryan, Pam. Esperanza rising. New York: Scholastic Press, 2000.ISBN  043912042X
    Tan, Shuan. The Arrival. New York:Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007. ISBN 978-0439895293   
    Wolff, Virginia. True believer. New York: Simon Pulse, 2002. ISBN 9780689852886