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Title: A Step from Heaven
Author: An Na
type of book: YA Fiction
call number: YA/FIC
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This book is strong in character, story, language and setting.
Main Characters:
- Young Ju (girl narrator)
- Uhmma (Mother - unhappy because of her husband)
- Apa (Father - drinks and hits)
- Joon Hu (Brother)
Summary:
Young Ju's uncle says America is only "a step
from heaven," so the family moves to America and stay with relatives. Apa
gets anxious and doesn't want to stay with them. They move into a
run down rented house. Uhmma soon gives birth to Joon Hu. Uhmma wanted to save
to buy a better house, but Apa says she wants everything and to be quiet. Apa
works two jobs (gardener and cleaning) but drinks so much he always has to find
another one. Apa praises Joon more than anything Young Ju does. Apa thinks
only a boy can be great. Young Ju's parents don't like that her best friend,
Amanda, is an American. They think she'll influence Young Ju too much. Her parents say they are Korean, but Young Ju always asks why
did they move to America if not to become Americans? Her family faces many
problems with each other and the world in this book.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
This novel is a different kind of story. Through Young Ju's eyes, readers
clearly see how it feels to be an immigrant growing up in not so ideal
conditions, yet still succeeding in America. It also shows how difficult it is
for some families to interact, for example a father and daughter relationship
where the father does not value the daughter.
This story will open the eyes of native born American readers and make them see
both the good and the bad about America. Young Ju's warm and soul baring
narrative is wonderful to read and teen readers cannot help liking her. Her
problem of fitting into a culture will hit a mark with young people who feel they never fit in anywhere.
Other interesting information about this book:
This book is the 2002 winner of the Michael L. Printz Award Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature.
Employee Initials: KS
Review Date: February 2003
Read other reviews by this staff member.
