Contemporary Realistic Fiction

A STEP FROM HEAVEN
by An Na

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Na, An. 2001. A STEP FROM HEAVEN. Penguin Group: New York. ISBN: 0142500275.

PLOT SUMMARY:
This contemporary fiction novel begins when our heroine, Young Ju, is just a small child, living in Korea with her parents and beloved grandmother. Her immediate family moves to the United States, and her father's abusive behavior begins to wear on the family over the years. She proves herself braver than anyone thought she could be at the end, when she proves that girls can be just as courageous as boys.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Author An Na pulls the reader into this novel with her descriptions of good and bad times with family members, something to which we can all relate. Her use of Korean vocabulary mixed in with the English language helps the reader to feel what it must be like as a foreigner in a new place. The book spans over the childhood of Young and her brother. It tells of her mistakes, her passions, and her relationships with friends and family. The climax of the book puts Young Ju in a position to make a choice that would change her family's life forever. She makes the choice that the reader wants, and the book has an ending that leaves one wishing these fictional characters the best of luck on their upcoming journey, which has a hopeful outlook.

EXCERPT REVIEWS:
"A beautifully written, affecting work." ~School Library Journal
"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

2002 MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD
2001 National Book Award Finalist
2002 Children's Book Award in YA Fiction – International Reading Association
2005 Asian American Booklist, Grades 9 and Up, Read Across America, National Education Association
2001 - 2003 Asian Pacific American Award for Literature, Text in Children and Young Adult Fiction – Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association
2003 - 2004 William Allen White Children's Book Award master list
2002 Notable Books for a Global Society – International Reading Association
2002 Notable Children's Book – American Library Association
2002 Best Book for Young Adults – American Library Association
2002 Children's Books of Distinction Award – Riverbank Review
2002 Fanfare Book – The Horn Book Honor List
2002 Children's Literature Choice List
2002 White Ravens – International Youth Library of Munich
2002 Notable Books for the Language Arts – NCTE
2002 Notable Books for a Global Society, Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest group of the IRA
2001 Editor's Choice – Booklist
2001 New York Times Book Review Notable Book
2001 Best Books – School Library Journal
2001 Kiriyama Prize Notable Book Shortlist
2001 Best Children's Books – Publishers Weekly
2001 Book LInks Lasting Connections
2001 Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children
2001 Top 10 Youth First Novels – Booklist


CONNECTIONS:
This novel could be read as part of a unit on immigration, whether centering around the Irish Potato Famine or Ellis Island's history. A discussion of why people leave their native countries, the pitfalls and courage involved in doing so, and endings to such stories would definitely ensure after reading this book.