- Heaven by Angela Johnson won the 1999 Coretta Scott King Award, which honors outstanding African American authors of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.
- Angela Johnson wrote Heaven as part of a trilogy, with sequels including The First Part Last and Sweet, Hereafter, which explore interconnected stories featuring different characters.
- The novel delves into themes of identity and family, centering around a young girl's journey to uncover hidden truths about her life and those closest to her.

Heaven by Angela Johnson is praised for its lyrical prose and heartfelt exploration of identity and family. Readers appreciate its strong character development and emotional depth. However, some critique the pacing as slow and the plot as lacking complexity. Overall, it's a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with teens seeking reflective narratives.

A reader who would enjoy Angela Johnson's Heaven likely thrives on heartfelt coming-of-age narratives, akin to those in Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons. They appreciate exploring themes of identity and belonging through immersive, emotionally resonant storytelling in a contemplative, youthful setting.

Contemplative / Emotional / Nostalgic / Inspirational

**Marley**  
A 14-year-old girl who undergoes a significant personal journey after discovering she was adopted, challenging her perceptions of family and identity while maintaining a close relationship with her adoptive parents.

**Uncle Jack**  
Marley's biological father who, after his wife's death, left his infant daughter to be raised by his twin brother, later reconnects with Marley through letters and acknowledges his love for her.

**Shoogy**  
One of Marley's best friends, grappling with family dynamics and personal struggles, which offer Marley insights into the complexities of familial relationships.

**Bobby**  
A supportive friend to Marley, he is a young father to a daughter named Feather, providing both companionship and guidance during Marley's emotional journey.

Angela Johnson

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Before You Read

Explore Heaven reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Heaven | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Heaven and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Heaven Summary and Study Guide

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Heaven Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Heaven Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Heaven Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Heaven Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Heaven Part 4 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Heaven Character Analysis

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Themes

Heaven Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Heaven Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Heaven Important Quotes

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Heaven Essay Topics

Heaven

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