A Step from Heaven — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
From master storyteller An Na comes the Printz Award–winning 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.
At age four, Young Ju moves with her parents from Korea to Southern California. She has always imagined America would be like heaven: easy, blissful, and full of riches. But when her family arrives, she finds it to be the opposite. With a stubborn language barrier and cultural dissimilarities, not only is it impossible to make friends, but even her family’s internal bonds are wavering. Her parents’ finances are strained, yet her father’s stomach is full of booze.
As Young Ju’s once solid and reliable family starts tearing apart, her younger brother begins to gain more freedom and respect simply because of his gender. Young Ju begins to lose all hope in the dream she once held—the heaven she longs for. Even as she begins to finally fit in, a cataclysmic family event will change her idea of heaven forever. But it also helps her to recognize the strength she holds, and envision the future she desires, and deserves.
Frequently asked questions
Is A Step from Heaven appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes themes of domestic violence and emotional pain experienced by the characters, particularly the protagonist and her mother, as they navigate life in a new country. The book is described as emotionally impactful and has been noted to leave a lasting impression on readers, suggesting themes that may be distressing or intense.
Does A Step from Heaven have violence?
The narrative includes themes of domestic violence and emotional pain experienced by the characters, particularly the protagonist and her mother, as they navigate life in a new country.
Does A Step from Heaven have scary content?
The book is described as emotionally impactful and has been noted to leave a lasting impression on readers, suggesting themes that may be distressing or intense.
Does A Step from Heaven have religious themes?
The book discusses the role of religion as a community gathering place for Korean Americans, indicating a cultural significance rather than promoting specific religious beliefs. It highlights the importance of faith in the characters' lives.
Does A Step from Heaven have racial/cultural content?
The book centers on the experiences of a Korean-American family, exploring themes of immigration and cultural identity, which are central to the narrative.
Does A Step from Heaven have profanity?
No profanity detected in the search results related to 'A Step from Heaven'.
Does A Step from Heaven have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results related to 'A Step from Heaven'.
Does A Step from Heaven have sexual identity?
No sexual content or themes detected in the search results related to 'A Step from Heaven'.
Does A Step from Heaven have gender roles?
The book addresses themes of patriarchy and the abuse faced by women and children, indicating a critique of traditional gender roles and their impact on the characters' lives.
Does A Step from Heaven have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters detected in the search results related to 'A Step from Heaven'.
