Review for "A Step from Heaven"

Bibliography: Na, An. A Step from Heaven. 2001. New York: Penguin Group. Print. ISBN: 978-0807207215

Critical Analysis

When young Young Ju hears about "Mi Gook," the Korean term for the United States, she mistakenly believes it means "Heaven." In this short coming of age novel, An Na explores the complex and changing world of Young Ju, a Korean girl who immigrates to the United States with her mother and father.

We meet Young Ju when she is four in Korea. The first short chapter is as flowing and unbroken as both the ocean it is set in and the young girls' mind that is experiencing it. Na refrains from using any quotation marks at the beginning of the book, which gives the impression of a young child's mind - flowing from one topic to the next - somewhat unaware of societal boundaries. As the story progresses, and the family moves to the United States, quotation marks are introduced, particularly when the family members are speaking English, this emphasizes the cultural awareness that is increasing for Young Ju as she ages.

The creative mind of Young Ju is explored in this novel told in first person. Many metaphors are used to describe feelings and situations, and the metaphors weave in and out of Young Ju's creative thought process. Here, Young Ju describes a situation in which she is manipulated into telling an untruth regarding a perm her mother has insisted will make her look more American before their immigration,

"Do you like it, Young Ju? Uhmma is smiling. Happy lots of teeth smile. Happy as the letter about Mi Gook. Happy at me. Even though Uhmma tells me I should always tell the truth, and Halmoni says God will be angry if you lie, I want Uhmma to smile lots of happy teeth smile at me.
Young Ju, do you like your curly hair?
I look at the floor. Yes, I lie, quiet as snow."

This book contains a complex story about a girls search for both her own identity and her place within her family. Na explores Young Ju's need for acceptance from her American peers, the academic pressure placed on Young Ju by her hardworking parents, alcoholism and it's detrimental effects, and the devaluation of females in society, and of Young Ju by her own father, in this dynamic tale. While the story confronts the harsh reality of the young protagonist head on, it also ends on a hopeful note, which ultimately proves more satisfying than a contrived, "happy" ending.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: "Na has effectively evoked the horror and small joys of the girl's home life while creating sympathetic portraits of all of the members of the family. A beautifully written, affecting work."

Booklist: "This isn't a quick read, especially at the beginning when the child is trying to decipher American words and customs, but the coming-of-age drama will grab teens and make them think of their own conflicts between home and outside. As in the best writing, the particulars make the story universal."

Awards and Recognition

Asian Pacific American Award for Literature
Children's Book Award
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
Kiriyama Prize

Connections

A Step from Heaven features a female, Asian American protagonist. It is important for children and young adults to read stories that reflect their experiences, and to be exposed to diversity in their reading. Making a display of books, or prominently featuring titles of well-written works for children and young adults that feature protagonists from diverse backgrounds can help promote exposure to diverse works.