Worthy of the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature, A Step from Heaven is a rich and satiating work of literature. It is unlike any other book I have read recently. An Na implements her own customized writing style that continually and effectively engages the reader into the thoughts and depths of emotions experienced by Young Ju. The progression of the writing style mirrors the development of Young Ju as she begins to make sense of the world around her in the midst of confusion and inconsistency.
I think this novel provides us a unique perspective on the various uses and subsequent meanings of language. I would like to explore the almost lyrical tone set forth on each page as well as the different types of vocabulary used by An Na. A discussion of linguistics might be appropriate, especially when considering the phonetic spellings, the challenges of learning a new language while simultaneously preserving and treasuring the native language, and the associated translation, interpretation, jargon, and typology. Questions such as: how has word choice, sentence structure, and format enriched this text and what are the consequences of these decisions? What difference has the language made in our reading? What difference has the language/stream of consciousness style made in our understanding of Young Ju's life? What does this mean for us as readers/writers? How is this applicable in our understanding and studies of ______(fill in the blank, acculturation, adolescence, family dynamics, immigration...)?
An Na produces a fresh reading of a young girl in transition, her writing is a portrait of the power and sovereignty of language.
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