A Step From Heaven
By An Na
Published by Penguin Books
“A contemporary and personal immigrant tale, this will make an affecting counterpoint to well-worn stories of Ellis Island.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This is a powerful story of cultural clash. . . Readers will come to care for Young Ju as she finds her way in a strange culture and eventually finds success. Highly Recommended.” —The Book Report
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Description
When she is five, Young Ju Park and her family move from Korea to California. During the flight, they climb so far into the sky she concludes they are on their way to Heaven, that Heaven must be in America. Heaven is also where her grandfather is. When she learns the distinction, she is so disappointed she wants to go home to her grandmother. Trying to console his niece, Uncle Tim suggests that maybe America can be “a step from Heaven.” Life in America, however, presents problems for Young Ju’s family. Her father becomes depressed, angry, and violent. Jobs are scarce and money is even scarcer. When her brother is born, Young Ju experiences firsthand her father’s sexism as he confers favored status upon the boy who will continue to carry the Park name. In a wrenching climactic scene, her father beats her mother so severely that Young Ju calls the police. Soon afterward, her father goes away and the family begins to heal.
Reviews & Accolades
2001 National Book Award Nominee
2002 Michael L. Printz Award Winner
“The many trials of an immigrant family adjusting to life in this country appear in stark clarity through Young Ju’s eyes. The struggle to assimilate and to deal with her father’s abuse will leave a deep impression on middle school or high school readers.” —Cherri Jones, Children’s Literature
“This beautifully written book, a tale of both tragedy and eventual triumph, is likely to bring tears to the eyes of any reader. Its author must be considered an important new voice in Asian American children’s literature.” —VOYA
“A contemporary and personal immigrant tale, this will make an affecting counterpoint to well-worn stories of Ellis Island.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This is a powerful story of cultural clash. . . Readers will come to care for Young Ju as she finds her way in a strange culture and eventually finds success. Highly Recommended.” —The Book Report
“This is a coming-of-age novel as well as a coming-into-the-country novel. It allows young people to step outside themselves for a moment and walk in the shoes of a hesitant, troubled peer who is not sure she likes being here. Poignant and powerful, the book is written with lyrical inventiveness that startles and delights and makes us see all things about us with new eyes.” —Multicultural Review
Groups Represented
Korean
Korean-American
Themes
Immigration, family relationships, domestic abuse, cultural differences, gender favoritism
Setting
Southern California
Author Research
TBA
Engagement Projects
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