The paradox of heaven
When Young Ju first hears about America, she believes it is heaven because her grandmother described it as a place of plentiful opportunities. By the time Young Ju and her parents migrated to the United States, she was five years old. Paradoxically, after arriving in the United States, Young Ju and her family are shocked to discover that it is not heaven because life is hard. The other reality that shocks the family is culture shock and racism.
The satire of the South Korean culture
Children expect to be loved by their fathers unconditionally. Satirically, the culture of South Korea does not allow men to be closer to their daughters. Consequently, Young Ju is not close to her father, widening the gap. When Ju’s mother gives birth to a boy, he attracts his father's attention. Young Ju realizes that his father is biased because he only loves her young brother. As a result, Ju hates his father and wishes she were a boy.
The irony of friendship
Young Ju and Amanda are very close friends, but Apa (Ju’s father) does not like Amanda. Young Ju does not discuss anything about her family, but Amanda is open and welcoming. When Apa discovers that Ju is dropped in the library by Amanda’s parents, he beats her up. Young Ju’s mother comes to her rescue, but Apa beats her also. Young Ju reports his father to the police, and he gets arrested.
