BIBLIOGRAPHY
An Na. 2002. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. Penguin. ISBN 0142500275.
SUMMARY
Step From Heaven is a story of a little girl Young Ju who immigrates with her family from Korea to “Mi Gook”, America. She moved to America with a belief that she was going to heaven. She was disappointed to learn that America is not heaven. Life in America was not easy for the family. Soon the family had a new member and Young Ju became a big sister. She started felling that she was ignored and her father gave her little brother more attention because he was his boy. Her parents had to work multiple jobs to support the family and Young Ju was adjusting to the new school, a baby brother, a new place and the accent of the people.
Young Ju’s mother, who she also addressed as Uhmma, was a hard working and caring woman. On the other hand, she father was an alcoholic who abused his wife and children when he was frustrated. As Young Ju was growing up, she started doing very well in school and desired to become more like her American friends whose parents spoke fluent English and were not poor like her. Her life was not perfect because of the abusive father and his lifestyle.
The abuse continued until one day Young Ju decided to call the police to save her mother’s life. Her father was arrested and after being released, returned to Korea leaving the family behind. Young Ju grows up into a mature and confident young woman and prepares to leave for college while her mother and brother move into their own small house.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The author tells a story of a young Korean immigrant who moved to America at the age of 4 and passes through different stages in her life finally maturing as a confident young woman. A lot of Korean terms are woven into the story to give it a realistic touch. This story will be enjoyed by readers 12 and above who will easy connect with Young Ju, the main character of the story.
The novel deals with issues like poverty, male dominance, alcoholism and abuse. It realistically reveals the problems faced by immigrants and the changes in life that they witness. The author describes in details the problems faced by new immigrants.
Young Ju, is described as a very intelligent and confident character. She was the witness to the unfair treatment by her father who only valued his son. On being frustrated, he consumed alcohol and abused the entire family. She saw this unfair treatment of her mother and felt the emotional pain that he was causing everyone. Her final decision changes the life of her family and gives everyone the freedom to live their lives respectably.
The author has written this novel with simple language that the readers would easily be able to connect to. The entire story depicts poverty, helplessness and abuse but the story ends in a very positive note. This is a richly described encouraging story that the readers will enjoy.
AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
ALA Notable Children’s Books
Michael L. Printz Award
Starred review in Booklist: “As in the best writing, the particulars make the story universal.”
Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Equally bright are the prospects of this author; readers will eagerly await her next step.”
Starred review in School Library Journal: “A beautifully written, affecting work.”
Review in Horn Book: “Each of these vignettes displays an astonishing and memorable force.”
Review in VOYA: “This beautifully written book, a tale of both tragedy and eventual triumph, is likely to bring tears to the eyes of any reader.”
CONNECTIONS
• A discussion could be started with young adults regarding immigration and the problems immigrants face.
• Young adults could discuss about different cultures and words that people use.
• Related books
-Lee, Marie G. FINDING MY VOICE. ISBN 9780395621349
-Sheth, Kashmira. 2004. BLUE JASMINE. Hyperion. ISBN 0786818557.
-Alvarez, Julia. 2010. RETURN TO SENDER. Yearling. ISBN 0375851232.
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