A Step from Heaven is
about an Asian family that migrates from Korea to San Diego, California in
hopes for a better life. When Young Ju finds out that her family is moving to
"Mi Gook" which to her means "heaven", she is thrilled and
later realizes that "Mi Gook" is America. Throughout the story, Young
Ju and her family struggle to learn English and have difficulties getting
accustomed to their new location. Within time, "Apa" which is Young
Ju's father, begins to show signs of aggression, excessive drinking, and also
stops attending his jobs. Young Ju hides when she hears her father “scream” and
later finds out that he abuses her mom as well. The drinking not only gets worse,
but he also abuses Yung Ju when he finds out that she disobeyed his orders.
Yung Ju builds the courage to dial 911, which is one of the best decisions that she will make to change their lives forever. He is taken away for a night, and
deserts the family as he is released the very next day. Times continue to be difficult for them, and Young Ju's mother asks her if she'd like to move back to Korea. Young Ju declines the offer and is determined to survive in America. The family works together without Apa, they make ends meet, and learn to live peacefully in America. Other books that
are similar to “A Step from Heaven” are Born Confused, Kira-Kira, and Girl in
Translation. In reference to “Making the Match”, this book would definitely help support students who are new to our complex country and help them relate to Young Ju in this remarkable story "A Step from Heaven".
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