A Step from Heaven by An Na for incoming 9th grade

Name:

p. 7-12
Question that assesses themes and central ideas of chapter / 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?
Question that assesses knowledge of vocabulary / Find two vivid descriptions that the author uses and explain what each means and how this defines the point of view of a child.
Questions that assesses syntax and structure / 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.
Chapter Summary
p. 13-32
Question that assesses themes and central ideas of chapter / 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.
Question that assesses knowledge of vocabulary / 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?
Questions that assesses syntax and structure / 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?
Chapter Summary
p. 33-61
Question that assesses themes and central ideas of chapter / 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.
Question that assesses knowledge of vocabulary / 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?
Questions that assesses syntax and structure / 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 / 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?
Question that assesses knowledge of vocabulary / 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?
Questions that assesses syntax and structure / 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?
Chapter Summary
p. 111-122
Question that assesses themes and central ideas of chapter / Explain the behavior of Apa. How has he changed? Why is he behaving this way? What do you predict the outcome of the story might be?
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 / Look at the struggle that causes Young Ju to dial 911, why is this such a struggle for her, as a Korean-American?
Question that assesses knowledge of vocabulary / 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?
Questions that assesses syntax and structure / 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.
Chapter Summary
p. 151-154
Question that assesses themes and central ideas of chapter / When Young Ju and the reader finally learn the identity of the parent and child in the first section, how might this change her perspective of Apa? Does it change yours? Why or why not?
Question that assesses knowledge of vocabulary / 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”?
Questions that assesses syntax and structure / The author uses a “full circle ending” for the story. Comment on the effectiveness of doing this.
Chapter Summary