New York Times Book Review

"An Na's first novel, A Step From Heaven, is the engaging tale of a young girl's childhood in the shadow of an abusive father, and of how she gains the courage to choose freedom for herself and her family. … The book is endowed with a haunting grace by the exquisite voice of a new young writer."

USA Today

"Na's crisp writing sketches Young Ju's growth from a 4-year-old to a high school senior on her way to college who watches her parents' marriage fall apart. Her father's drinking, depression and domestic violence are realistic and disturbing. But Na's ability to create a believable family history transcends the painful scenes, just as Young Ju overcomes her bittersweet childhood to become an admirable young woman."

Publishers Weekly

"The journey Na chronicles in Young's graceful and resonant voice is an acculturation process that is at times wrenching, at times triumphant and consistently absorbing. … By its conclusion, readers can see a strong, admirable young woman with a future full of hope. Equally bright are the prospects of this author; readers will eagerly await her next step."

New York Times Book Review

"An Na's first novel, A Step From Heaven, is the engaging tale of a young girl's childhood in the shadow of an abusive father, and of how she gains the courage to choose freedom for herself and her family. … The book is endowed with a haunting grace by the exquisite voice of a new young writer."

USA Today

"Na's crisp writing sketches Young Ju's growth from a 4-year-old to a high school senior on her way to college who watches her parents' marriage fall apart. Her father's drinking, depression and domestic violence are realistic and disturbing. But Na's ability to create a believable family history transcends the painful scenes, just as Young Ju overcomes her bittersweet childhood to become an admirable young woman."

Publishers Weekly

"The journey Na chronicles in Young's graceful and resonant voice is an acculturation process that is at times wrenching, at times triumphant and consistently absorbing. … By its conclusion, readers can see a strong, admirable young woman with a future full of hope. Equally bright are the prospects of this author; readers will eagerly await her next step."

Booklist

"As in the best writing, the particulars make the story, a first novel, universal."

School Library Journal

"A beautifully written affecting work."

Horn Book

"An Na displays an astonishing and memorable force."

Book Links

"Spare imagistic language and present-tense first-person narration reflect the often-sketchy memories that slowly reveal painful family relationships. The cadence of the sentences, short at first and then longer as the narrator learns English and grows to womanhood, etches the acculturation process and delivers a powerful punch. "—

CCBC Choices (University of Wisconsin)

"An Na's stunning first novel depicts Young's development by showing the complexities of her world, screened through her mind. We see Young, even as a small child, trying to piece events together on an intellectual as well as an emotional level. Her struggle to comprehend her family life leads to a mature understanding of her mother, allowing Young to take some courageous steps into the adult world."

Voice of Youth Advocate

"This beautifully written book, a tale of both tragedy and eventual triumph, is likely to bring tears to the eyes of any reader. Its author must be considered an important new voice in Asian American children's literature."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A contemporary and personal immigrant tale, this will make an affecting counterpoint to well-worn stories of Ellis Island."

Book Report

"This is a powerful story of cultural clash. … Readers will come to care for Young Ju as she finds her way in a strange culture and eventually finds success. Highly Recommended."

Multicultural Review

"This is a coming-of-age novel as well as a coming-into-the-country novel. It allows young people to step outside themselves for a moment and walk in the shoes of a hesitant, troubled peer who is not sure she likes being here. Poignant and powerful, the book is written with lyrical inventiveness that startles and delights and makes us see all things about us with new eyes."

Children's Literature

"This book enriches readers' understanding of Korean culture and of the immigrant experience shared by many."