This book is not about immigrants -- it's about a girl who has to deal with an abusive father after coincidentally immigrating. In America she experiences what it means to be an immigrant, learning the language and customs. 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. 20% The book is very well written and believable. , Enhanced typesetting I read this book as part of the requirement for a graduate class, and I was engaged from the very first page. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions. Young isn't allowed to even hang out with her best friend because she is American. , Word Wise As far as a young adult novel girls I think this one is very well written in the story, the dark, is moving. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. , Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books; Reprint edition (July 26, 2016), Publication date All rights reserved. The story isn't very complicated but it's at the same time raw and poetic, very realisting and moving. the United States. Her father likes him more and is given special treatment. Young Ju has known her father as a violent and drunkard person without empathy. Learn more. Heaven is also where her grandfather is. 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. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Use this to prep for your next quiz! An Nas striking language authentically reflects the process of acculturation as Young Ju grows from a child to an adult. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The story is simple, true, and feels inevitable. , File size Its a great book. East meets West, childhood meets adulthood, hope meets despair . By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. A SuperSummary Study Guide - a modern alternative to Sparknotes & CliffsNotes provides so much more -- including chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and important quotes. Finally, when the family gets into America, Young Ju realizes it is not heaven. I did cry at the end, it is quite an emotional rollercoaster. In her mesmerizing first novel, Na traces the life of Korean-born Young Ju from the age of four through her teenage years, wrapping up her story just a few weeks before she leaves for college. A Korean family emigrates to the United States in search of a better life. Not affiliated with Harvard College. He's distrustful, enraged that he's so helpless and that she's in control; she's embarrassed by his behavior even as she feels his anguish. She struggles with the language barrier in her new school as her parents' relationship begins to strain due to financial issues. She and the children join a church, in order to become more accepted and further assimilated into the culture. Young, eventually, advocates for her mother against her abusive, alcoholic father who leaves and the family begins to heal. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Gr 8 Up-When four-year-old Young Ju and her parents emigrate from Korea to California by plane, the child, who knows that God is in the sky, concludes that America is heaven. While told in the girl's voice as she matures from a preschooler into a capable young woman about to set off to college, the spare but lyrical text has an adult tone. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. They had come to find a little piece of the American Dream. However, Young Ju and her family quickly come to realize that life in the United States is not easy as both of Young Ju's parents are forced to take on menial jobs in order to support the family. And the strength of love is on our side. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. A Step from Heaven by An Na As a small girl living in Korea, Young Ju Park leads a relatively carefree life,. Both of her parents work multiple jobs, striving to provide for her and, later, her younger brother. The conflict makes Apa disown his family and gets back to South Korea. Written from the perspective of a child, it truly deserves having won the Printz Award, as we slowly follow the family from moving from Korea, until Ju gets prepared to go to university, their struggles and strains a new culture puts on the family. A. Alec B.Young ju c Apa D.Amanda Where does the story start? : After listen number five it strikes you this has the best of both and is the pick of the bunch. GradeSaver, 4 September 2021 Web. She has appeared in regional theater productions of, "When most people hear 'large-print book,' they immediately think senior citizen. Young Ju eventually intervenes when her father starts beating his wife and herself by, calling the police and having her father arrested. Livestock Sales; Markets. Free shipping for many products! The cracks begin to show when Yung Ju battles sexism from her own father and the constant juggling of two cultures. An Na was born in Korea and grew up in San Diego, California. ", ASIN Does this item contain quality or formatting issues? Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! A StepfromHeavenby An Na is a heartbreaking and moving novel. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. The next life is no mystery-there are people in heaven, some of the same people that were here on earth. Additionally, he is a sexist who values his son and ignores his daughter. Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app. Her father's drinking, depression and domestic violence are realistic and disturbing. I'm glad that I decided to pick it up and would recommend it to anyone. Chris Lynch, "I was deeply moved by An Na's novel. After he is released from prison Young Ju's father returns to South Korea, leaving his family to finally find a better life for themselves. Sometimes a family is better off without an abusive spouse, Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2021. . She is careful to tread gently and not ruffle his Korean manhood. As a young child, Young Ju thinks Mi Gook is heaven, based on all the praises heaped upon it by her relatives. A Step from Heaven grew from a need to express some of the longings and frustrations that I felt as an immigrant growing up in America. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Recently Edited. The show and its . The main character knows English awesome. She does not understand the problems sure to arise: struggling to learn a new language, financial problems her family face, and her father's escalating anger. Uhmma is not ready to detach herself from the toxic marriage. Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. A very quick but beautifully written book. Soon Young is given a little brother. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. That our faith will take us . Young Ju is a baby when her father encourages her to be brave. She disobeys him, but she's careful never to bring her friends to her shabby home. A story about wanting a better life for their family, struggling with changes and cultures, and working hard to keep on dreaming until it becomes more than a dream. From master storyteller An Na comes the Printz Awardwinning novel about a Korean girl who tells her firsthand account of trying to find her place and identity in America from the day she leaves Korea as a child to her rocky journey through the teenage years. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! Life in America isnt what they had hoped it would be. . Download A Step from Heaven PDF full book. View all After the family's arrival, Young's American uncle dispels the notion that the United States is heaven, yet adds, "Let us say it is a step from heaven." It doesn't take the girl or her parents very long to realize how steep this step is.From her first sip of Coca-Cola, which "bites the inside of my mouth and throat like swallowing tiny fish . Award: Notable Children's Books. Many people ask me if this novel is autobiographical and I always respond by saying yes and no. I enjoyed it. Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, "This is a powerful story of cultural clash. Publishers Weekly (starred & boxed review), "As in the best writing, the particulars make the story, a first novel, universal." When she is five, Young Ju Park and her family move from Korea to California. But I do not argue with Apa. The following day after the arrest Apa is released but chooses to return to South Korea. Summary The author analyzes "A Step from Heaven" of An Na, a story told in the character Young Ju's voice. Its a very different book, simple but touching, lovely mix of korean and american language and culture.. and yes a fast paced book. I first read this novel when I was 12, and it has always stuck with me since. (one code per order). To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. It doesn't take the girl or her parents very long to realize how steep this step is.From her first sip of Coca-Cola, which "bites the inside of my mouth and throat like swallowing tiny fish bones," Young's new life catches her in a tug-of-war between two distinct cultures. There was a problem loading your book clubs. A Step from Heaven by An Na As a small girl living in Korea, Young Ju Park leads a relatively carefree life,. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. : 1994. . 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