MODULE 4: NEWBERY AND PRINTZ AWARD WINNERS
September 21-27
A Step From Heaven
By: An Na
Ages 12 and Up
September 21-27
A Step From Heaven
By: An Na
Ages 12 and Up
Summary:
A Step From Heaven is a book that takes and pulls the reader into the life, mind, and thoughts of a young girl. The reader lives side by side with Young Ju, as she leaves her native land of Korea as a young child and emigrates to the United States. The reader follows as Young Ju experiences life growing up in the United States. She must learn a new language and a new culture all the while struggling with personal tragedies in her own home. One trial she is struggling with at home is living in constant poverty. Both her mother and father work multiple jobs in order to support the family and provide them with a better life. Another trial she must deal with is an abusive father who is also an alcoholic. He physically and verbally abuses all the members of her family and on a regular basis and is constantly inebriated. In addition to her more serious tribulations, the reader sees Young Ju struggle with such issues as fitting in at school, sibling rivalry, and other everyday complications. If the reader is unable to connect with Young Ju in her serious problems, the reader can relate to her everyday challenges. This is what endears her to the reader, and keeps the audience engaged and hanging onto every word.
My Impressions:
I was completely enthralled with this book, and I couldn't put it down. An Na's writing style is so pleasing and attractive. I found the words and story to be mesmerizing. I believe that Na captures the essence of both children and young adults extremely well. This is a survival story with a powerful message that says that you can do anything you put your mind to. After everything that the Park family goes through, Young Ju manages to graduate from high school and receive a scholarship, and the family is able to finally purchase a house, a home, of their own. I think that it is interesting that once the "dead weight", or the father in this case, is gone, the family is finally able to be successful. This is an important message for women to remember that sometimes it is possible to be happier and more successful on one's own.
Reviews:
"This is written in the first person present tense with no burdensome narrative, which makes it appealing for younger readers with short attention spans. The manner and sensitivity of the storytelling itself will appeal to all readers. It would work well as supplemental reading for many of the social studies in areas of culture, immigration, abuse, and poverty. We will eagerly await more from this author. (Note: Winner, 2002 Michael L. Printz Award, and an ALA Best Book for YAs.) Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults."-Ann Hart, KLIATT Review, March 2003 (Vol. 37, No. 2)
Lesson Plans:
This book provides an excellent opportunity to get students thinking about succeeding even in times of adversity. Students should create a list of the multiple problems this family experiences. On a separate list, students should write down how the situation ended. A new list of alternative solutions to these problems should then be created. For example with domestic violence and abuse, students should brainstorm ways Young Jun and her family could have received help. Examples would include calling 9-1-1, speaking with a counselor at school, moving in with their Aunt and Uncle Tim. This book also provides an opportunity to think about Asian cultures and discuss similarities and differences.
Hart, Ann. "Children's Literature Reviews: A Step From Heaven". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. September 25, 2009.
Na, An. A Step From Heaven. Asheville, NC: Front Street, 2001.
A Step From Heaven is a book that takes and pulls the reader into the life, mind, and thoughts of a young girl. The reader lives side by side with Young Ju, as she leaves her native land of Korea as a young child and emigrates to the United States. The reader follows as Young Ju experiences life growing up in the United States. She must learn a new language and a new culture all the while struggling with personal tragedies in her own home. One trial she is struggling with at home is living in constant poverty. Both her mother and father work multiple jobs in order to support the family and provide them with a better life. Another trial she must deal with is an abusive father who is also an alcoholic. He physically and verbally abuses all the members of her family and on a regular basis and is constantly inebriated. In addition to her more serious tribulations, the reader sees Young Ju struggle with such issues as fitting in at school, sibling rivalry, and other everyday complications. If the reader is unable to connect with Young Ju in her serious problems, the reader can relate to her everyday challenges. This is what endears her to the reader, and keeps the audience engaged and hanging onto every word.
My Impressions:
I was completely enthralled with this book, and I couldn't put it down. An Na's writing style is so pleasing and attractive. I found the words and story to be mesmerizing. I believe that Na captures the essence of both children and young adults extremely well. This is a survival story with a powerful message that says that you can do anything you put your mind to. After everything that the Park family goes through, Young Ju manages to graduate from high school and receive a scholarship, and the family is able to finally purchase a house, a home, of their own. I think that it is interesting that once the "dead weight", or the father in this case, is gone, the family is finally able to be successful. This is an important message for women to remember that sometimes it is possible to be happier and more successful on one's own.
Reviews:
"This is written in the first person present tense with no burdensome narrative, which makes it appealing for younger readers with short attention spans. The manner and sensitivity of the storytelling itself will appeal to all readers. It would work well as supplemental reading for many of the social studies in areas of culture, immigration, abuse, and poverty. We will eagerly await more from this author. (Note: Winner, 2002 Michael L. Printz Award, and an ALA Best Book for YAs.) Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults."-Ann Hart, KLIATT Review, March 2003 (Vol. 37, No. 2)
Lesson Plans:
This book provides an excellent opportunity to get students thinking about succeeding even in times of adversity. Students should create a list of the multiple problems this family experiences. On a separate list, students should write down how the situation ended. A new list of alternative solutions to these problems should then be created. For example with domestic violence and abuse, students should brainstorm ways Young Jun and her family could have received help. Examples would include calling 9-1-1, speaking with a counselor at school, moving in with their Aunt and Uncle Tim. This book also provides an opportunity to think about Asian cultures and discuss similarities and differences.
Hart, Ann. "Children's Literature Reviews: A Step From Heaven". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. September 25, 2009
Na, An. A Step From Heaven. Asheville, NC: Front Street, 2001.
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