Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
1 appearances
An Na
アン・ナ
An Na
Profile
- Gender
- Female
- Born
- 1972-01-01 （South Korea）
- Nationality
- American
- Languages
- English
- Residence History
- San Diego, California → Oakland, California → Warren, Vermont
Career
- Occupations
- Writer, Former middle school teacher
- Active Years
- 2001-
- Affiliations
- Vermont College of Fine Arts (affiliation)
- Influenced By
- Jacqueline Woodson
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst College | — | — | BA | — | United States |
| Vermont College of Fine Arts | — | — | MFA（M.F.A.プログラム在籍） | — | United States |
Amherst College
Degree:
BA
Country:
United States
Holds a Bachelor of Arts (major details not specified)
Vermont College of Fine Arts
Degree:
MFA（M.F.A.プログラム在籍）
Country:
United States
Enrolled in an M.F.A. program and took a young adult literature class.
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Michael L. Printz Award | A Step From Heaven | — | American Library Association (YALSA) | Winner |
| 2001 | National Book Award (Young People's Literature) | A Step From Heaven | Young People's Literature | National Book Foundation | Finalist |
Michael L. Printz Award
2002
Work:
A Step From Heaven
Organization:
American Library Association (YALSA)
Result:
Winner
National Book Award (Young People's Literature)
2001
Work:
A Step From Heaven
Category:
Young People's Literature
Organization:
National Book Foundation
Result:
Finalist
Awards & Nominations
Michael L. Printz Award
1 appearances
-
Edition 3 (2002) Winner
Works
Major Works
A Step From Heaven
2001 Young adult / Children's literatureA coming-of-age story about a girl who immigrates from Korea to the United States, exploring family relationships and the challenges of adapting to a new country.
ImmigrationFamilyIdentityComing of age
The Fold
2008 Young adultA novel that deals with adolescent friendship, self-discovery, and family relationships, portraying inner emotional struggles with sensitivity.
FriendshipSelf-discoveryFamily
Wait For Me
2017 Young adultA work focusing on adolescent emotions and relationships. Detailed synopsis not specified.
RomanceComing of ageConflict
The Place Between Breaths
2018 Young adultA book that explores internal and physical/mental boundaries of youth. Details are omitted pending authoritative sources.
InteriorityMental healthBoundaries
Akbar: The Great Emperor of India
Children's literature / Biography (uncertain)Details about this work are limited and not well-documented.
Bibliography
- A Step From Heaven (2001)
- The Fold (2008)
- Akbar: The Great Emperor of India
- Wait For Me (2017)
- The Place Between Breaths (2018)
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- Concise, emotionally attuned proseStrong first-person interior narration
- Recurring Motifs
- Immigrant experienceFamily bondsSearch for identityAdolescent struggles
Legacy
An Na gained recognition with her debut A Step From Heaven (2001) and is regarded as an important voice in Asian-American young adult literature. She has influenced young readers through school visits and educational outreach.
Trivia
- Born in South Korea and raised in San Diego.
- Former middle school English and History teacher turned novelist.
- Debut A Step From Heaven won the Michael L. Printz Award and was a National Book Award finalist.
- Splits time between Oakland, California and Warren, Vermont.
- Encourages young Asian-American students to pursue arts and creativity.