"Notice how the painter takes something
ordinary - a night sky - and makes it
EXTRAORDINARY?
Like a poet, an artist notices the wonders
all around us and shows them to us. Through
their eyes, we see the starry sky as if for
the first glorious time.
Now take out some paper and draw your
own version of stars. They can be any shape,
any color!"
Cassie is but one child in a large family, where attention for her is rare. She is a fully realized character as she deals with her crowded house, friendships that are changing in ways she cannot explain, life in the fourth grade, and her own sensitive nature. Not unlike the life of others her age and circumstance, she finds joy in special moments, angst in others. She feels all of her emotions while trying to navigate her experiences at home and at school. When a magazine sweepstakes ad says she is a 'grand prize winner', she is sure all her problems will now be solved. The prizes mentioned could change everything. Alas, it is a hard lesson to learn that those sweepstakes dreams will not fix what is making her so unhappy.
It takes time, understanding, the patience to think clearly about her own expectations and, at times, wise counsel from her teacher and her mother. Being aware of all the emotions she is feeling and learning to use them to make life better for herself is a huge accomplishment. Her thinking is made clear throughout the novel in thought balloons and darkened spaces. Secondary characters play a pivotal role on Cassie's path to realizing what really matters.
Shannon Hale's fans will be thrilled to see this first book in a new series. Ms. Cespedes' expressive characters, retro setting details, and careful handling of emotion and wonder are much appreciated. Many will make connections with Cassie and her friends, her family, and the full extent of her emotional journey to a better understanding of herself. Middle grade readers will want to have conversations about this excellent book.
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