About the Author
An Na was born in Korea and grew up in San Diego, California. A former middle school English and history teacher, she is the critically acclaimed author of The Fold, Wait for Me, the National Book Award finalist and Printz Award–winning novel A Step from Heaven, and The Place Between Breaths. She lives in Vermont.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
A Step from Heaven Sea Bubble
Just to the edge, Young Ju. Only your feet. Stay there.
Cold. Cold water. Oh. My toes are fish. Come here. Fast. Look.
What is it, Young Ju?
See my toes. See how they are swimming in the sea? Like fish.
Yes, they are little fat piggy fish.
Ahhh! Tickles.
Come on. Up. Keep your legs around me. Are you ready to go swim in the waves?
Hold me. Hold me.
I have you. Look over there, Young Ju. See how the waves dance. See? Hold on tight. We are going over there.
No. Stop. Deep water. Go back.
Shhh, Young Ju. Do not be afraid. You must learn how to be brave. See, I have you.
No. No. Go back.
Young Ju, can you be brave? Look, that is only a small wave. Do not worry. I will hold you tight the whole time. Can you try to be a brave girl for me?
I will try.
Good girl. Ready for the wave? Here it comes. Get ready. Up. And down. There, do you still want to go back?
Again. Do it again. Another one.
That is my courageous girl. Hold on to my neck, Young Ju. Here we go. Up. And down.
I am a sea bubble floating, floating in a dream. Bhop.
