A Step from Heaven by An Na for incoming 9th grade
Name:
p. 7-12
Question that
assesses themes and
central ideas of
chapter
Question that
assesses knowledge
of vocabulary
Questions that
assesses syntax and
structure
Chapter Summary
p. 13-32
Question that
assesses themes and
central ideas of
chapter
Question that
assesses knowledge
of vocabulary
Questions that
assesses syntax and
structure
Chapter Summary
Describe the special relationship between parent and child in “Sea
Bubble.” How do you think that this sets the development of the
characters and the story?
Find two vivid descriptions that the author uses and explain what
each means and how this defines the point of view of a child.
How does the author use context to define Korean words without
giving direct definitions. Why do you think that the author does
this? Comment on its effectiveness.
What is understood as being “a step from Heaven”? Comment on
the two meanings of this and how it could be considered ironic.
Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.
Find examples, words or phrases, that the author uses Young Ju’s
first impression of school. What perspective of education does the
author use to accomplish this?
Find references to loss and leaving and the ways that these are
juxtaposed with the notion of magic words and hope. How do
these contribute to excitement and fear of the journey?
p. 33-61
Question that
assesses themes
and central ideas
of chapter
Question that
assesses
knowledge of
vocabulary
Questions that
assesses syntax
and structure
Examine the sections “Burying Lies,” “Being Older,” and “Disappearing
Bubbles.” Explain Young Ju’s understanding of responsibility that she
will have for her brother and her mother as she matures.
Comment on the “lie” Young Ju tells and her mother’s deception in
taking the children to the fair. What differences and similarities is the
author trying to accomplish?
Notice the reference to bubbles and comment on the significance of this
image for Young Ju. Notice how the author juxtaposes this moment the
following excerpt, “The Blob” which represents the moments of
happiness in their lives. What do you think that the author was trying to
accomplish with this?
Chapter Summary
p. 62-110
Question that
assesses
themes and
central ideas of
chapter
Question that
assesses
knowledge of
vocabulary
Questions that
assesses syntax
and structure
Chapter Summary
In the section “Becoming Too American,” Apa tells Young Ju to stay
away from Amanda stating that she is a “bad influence.” Apa wants
Young Ju to remember that she is a Korean girl. What is the author’s
point of view on immigrants trying to hold onto the values of the culture
they have left behind? Should parents be prepared to accept different
values for their children?
Find words, phrases and incidents that reveal the feelings of being
trapped. What does this tell you about how the mood is beginning to
change?
Without directly stating the financial issues, what are some phrases that
allow the reader to infer this? Why does the author choose to do this?
p. 111-122
Explain the behavior of Apa. How has he changed? Why is he behaving
Question that
assesses themes this way? What do you predict the outcome of the story might be?
and central ideas
of chapter
Question that
assesses
knowledge of
vocabulary
The last sentence of the section “Daughter” reads “An ache deep and wide
as the sea threatens to drown my heart.” Comment on the emotion and
the power of the words and the symbolism of the sea.
Questions that
assesses syntax
and structure
Why does the author title this section “Daughter”? How does this highlight
the characters Amanda, Young Ju and Apa.?
Chapter Summary
p. 123-150
Question that
assesses themes
and central ideas of
chapter
Question that
assesses
knowledge of
vocabulary
Questions that
assesses syntax
and structure
Chapter Summary
Look at the struggle that causes Young Ju to dial 911, why is this such
a struggle for her, as a Korean-American?
On p. 134, Uhmma says, “Your life can be different.” Young Ju
responds, “You have choices.” What does Young mean by “choices”
and how does this reflect a change and maturity for her in this one
word?
In the sections “Disclosure” and “Seeds of Life” what words and
phrases does the author use to capture the feelings in Apa’s outbursts.
Comment on how the author uses the power of the words to create a
tone of violence and fear.
p. 151-154
Question that assesses When Young Ju and the reader finally learn the identity of the
parent and child in the first section, how might this change her
themes and central
perspective of Apa? Does it change yours? Why or why not?
ideas of chapter
Question that assesses
knowledge of
vocabulary
Questions that
assesses syntax and
structure
Chapter Summary
In the last sentence the author repeats the sentence: “I am a sea
bubble floating, floating in a dream. Bhop.” What is the
significance of “Bhop”?
The author uses a “full circle ending” for the story. Comment on
the effectiveness of doing this.