A Step from Heaven

Young Ju is an immigrant from Korea who came to America while still very young.  Even though not remembering much of her Korean life, she forced to walk a delicate balance between her new life as an American citizen and her traditional life according to her Korean parents.  Her struggle is difficult, especially when she must also deal with her alcoholic and abusive father.  Her mother works hard and long hours in a kitchen, forcing Young Ju to watch over her brother, deal with her father and also maintain good grades.  Over the years, Young Ju not only becomes a strong woman, but also one who is able to walk the fine line between freedom and tradition.    

 

A Step from Heaven gives an engaging glimpse into a world of abuse and immigration.  Very few teens have ever had to deal with this situation, so the book helps to open their eyes to the struggle of coming to a new place.  We see her grow up and have to deal with the good and bad problems of being an immigrant.  Not only that, but no matter the cultural boundary, her father is also an alcoholic and when provoked, will beat his wife and children.  Young Ju also struggles will the idea of tradition in her family.  She wants to be able to go and be like her friends, but this is not always possible, due to the fact that she is a girl and has very strict rules at times.  Even her brother at a young age has learned the role of women in their traditional society.  While she struggles with this, teens will also identify with her need to break free from her parent's standards.  While the story can be a little sad a time, Young Ju's courage and spirit help to her and the reader motivated.  Not only does the book give a wonderful insight into the life of an immigrant, but it also tells an engaging story that teens will enjoy and can also be educational as well.  Few know the struggles of coming to a new county, not knowing the language and learning new and different culture.  I think that A Step from Heaven helps others to realize what a challenge it can be for new citizens.