$12.99 sale price when purchased online
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About this item
Highlights
- When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you're Ojibwe.
- Christy Awards (Amplify Award) 2023 1st Winner
- 8-12 Years
- 8.48" x 5.8" Hardcover
- 288 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, People & Places
Description
About the Book
When fourteen-year-old Norvia moves from Beaver Island to Boyne City in 1914, she has to contend with a new school, a first crush, and a blended family, but she also must keep secret her parents' divorce and her Ojibwe heritage. Includes author's note.Book Synopsis
When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you're Ojibwe. Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories--stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage. Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia's mother forces her to pretend she's not Native at all--even to Mr. Ward, Ma's new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia's irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It's dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan. Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings--all five of them--are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion. But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is? Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson's family history. AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A Parnassus Books Spark Club Pick!
"INSPIRING."--Kirkus Reviews
"A NEW CLASSIC."--Southern Bookseller Review
"INTIMATE."--Publishers Weekly
"BEAUTIFUL."--Booklist
"UNPUTDOWNABLE."--Anne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies
"LOVINGLY WOVEN... PAIRS WELL WITH 'THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE.'"--Cynthia Leitich Smith, NYT-bestselling author of Ancestor Approved
Review Quotes
"Johnson's writing is gentle, unhurried and reflective--with touches of humor and heartbreak."--NPR "Lovingly woven from the threads left for debut author Anna Rose Johnson by her ancestors from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. . . . She showcases Norvia, a courageous young hero navigating complex family dynamics, the pressure to pass, and universal daily-life challenges. . . . Pairs well with The Birchbark House."--Cynthia Leitich Smith, NYT-bestselling author of Ancestor Approved, Rain Is Not My Indian Name, and Sisters of the Neversea
"Unputdownable. You'll cheer for Norvia as she navigates her way to joy in spite of change, prejudice, and heartbreak."--Anne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies "This is a new classic in the making."--The Southern Bookseller Review "Touching historical fiction."--Detroit Public Radio
"Johnson (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) combines family history with an homage to such classics as Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, and Pollyanna. . . . An engaging work of historical fiction."--The Horn Book "A beautiful historical novel, based on the author's family. . . . A heartfelt novel about embracing one's identity, appreciating what the past has taught, and finding the courage to move forward."--Booklist "Inspiring. . . . [Based on] the author's family history, this gentle novel nimbly and tenderly confronts topics including prejudice, the challenge of blending families, young love, and staying true to oneself."--Kirkus Reviews "An intimate tale chronicling an Indigenous 14-year-old's life in a new city. . . . An introspective, unhurried debut, filled with personal touches."--Publishers Weekly "Charming. . . Sweetly old-fashioned. . . . Sensitive."--Buffalo News
"[Johnson] has dealt affectionately but with honesty and clarity in describing a young girl's struggle. . . . The strength of this novel is the gentle warmth of its tone."--The Historical Novel Society "A sensitive coming-of-age story about identity, prejudice, and confidence in your own skin."--A Mighty Girl "Enchanting. . . Lots of Anne of Green Gables vibes, but from an Indigenous American perspective and with more modern sensibilities."--Book Riot "This coming-of-age story with a strong heroine is perfect for fans of Anne of Green Gables."--Parnassus Books "This coming-of-age story finds Norvia learning how to navigate high school, figuring out how to love both her absent father and new stepfather, and finding her own happiness in a world full of change."--Youth Services Book Review "As Norvia contends with forming friendships and gossipy classmates, she must keep her Ojibwe heritage & parents' scandalous divorce secret. . . . For fans of Anne of Green Gables."--The New York Public Library
About the Author
Anna Rose Johnson is a journalist, blogger, and seasoned correspondent for Inside Gymnastics. Anna is passionate about historical fiction, the Native experience, and writing for children. She is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; her debut, The Star That Always Stays (an NPR Best Book of the Year), is directly based on her great-grandmother. Find her at annarosejohnson.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.48 Inches (H) x 5.8 Inches (W) x 1.0 Inches (D)
Weight: .81 Pounds
Suggested Age: 8-12 Years
Sub-Genre: People & Places
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Number of Pages: 288
Publisher: Holiday House
Theme: United States, Native American
Format: Hardcover
Author: Anna Rose Johnson
Language: English
Street Date: July 12, 2022
TCIN: 84829944
UPC: 9780823450404
Item Number (DPCI): 247-30-7928
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1 inches length x 5.8 inches width x 8.48 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.81 pounds
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4.8 out of 5 stars with 17 reviews
100% would recommend
15 recommendations
Such a sweet story!
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
swimmingcat59 - 3 years ago
This book was so sweet and fun to read! Would definitely recommend for families, middle grades, and even older teens and adults who enjoy a gentle “classic” story. Content and language is appropriate for kids while still being interesting for adults. The characters were my favorite part of the story. They felt unique and three-dimensional, even the side characters. Dicta was hilarious, Vernon was amusing and kind, and Uncle Virgil was imperfectly perfect. I loved Norvia’s imagination and her quietness, and I felt for her in all her struggles. Although I’m not a big historical fiction reader, I ended up enjoying the setting. The setting was a vital part of the conflict, which made it feel like I was in Norvia’s world. The only things I didn’t like were the flashbacks to Norvia’s childhood on Beaver Island that occurred occasionally (they just weren’t very interesting to me because I missed all the characters I loved) and the pace of the ending. The resolution seemed to drag on, and I was never sure when it was going to end (which may be partly because I read more dramatic adventure-novel conclusions than quiet conclusions). Overall though, great book. Definitely glad I read it and would recommend! Disclaimer: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts are my own.
The Star That Always Stays
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Mary P - 3 years ago
Anna Rose Johnson's debut takes readers to Michigan in the early 1900s to explore themes of family, belonging, and the quest for security and happiness alongside young Norvia, the main character of the story, who has to navigate a new school, new family after her parents divorce and her mother remarries, and new sources of comfort and discomfort as she tries to take control of her life. That constant quest for security and happiness is partially what keeps readers turning pages, as the author raises question after story question that the reader must have answers to. The characters are another part of what makes this story as engaging as it is. Dicta, for instance, the youngest of the children, had a unique sort of personality as well as a physical disability, spoke her mind on all subjects, and was vain and not at all tenderhearted. There's a sort of innocence about her in spite of her curious and disregarding manner, and the way she carried out her ideas with her youthful confidence and enthusiasm brought a certain light to the story. Elton was the second-oldest after Herman, the brother who left the family to be employed elsewhere, and his time was spent in the fields doing work that he loved and being the steady remaining older brother to his siblings. Casper's role wasn't as front and center, but he learned valuable things about choice in education, training, and hard work. And Norvia is the one of whom Dicta remarks in the second half of the book that she is "never happy." I didn't realize that until she pointed it out, after which it became glaringly obvious. She found solace in books and in trying to make things the way they were in some ways, but she wasn't really happy, and she couldn't truly be happy for others either. Part of that has to do with her journey in the book, as she wanted a better life with the ability to make her own choices. Her goals and outlook change as she does, and it was such an intriguing journey. Of the school friends, Kitty seemed one-dimensional at times, with her unfailing loyalty to the protagonist and the way she was made out to be a flighty, clumsy scatterbrain of a sidekick. I wish we could have seen more of her value outside of her usefulness to the main character. She seemed like such a sweet and kind person, and Norvia's ideas of what Kitty ought to be would certainly not be kind to her if they were carried out. Altogether, The Star That Always Stays is a children's book geared perhaps towards older children, with its content of messy family relationships, childbirth, and sorrow/helplessness. There's a certain thread of hope that ties the story together, perhaps most evidently at the end, and it creates an experience that is hard to forget. I've enjoyed my time with these characters, and I look forward to reading more by Anna Rose Johnson. I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher for review purposes. A positive review was not required. Content: joking about ghosts and a crazy wife locked in a room, fear in reference to that conversation, fairies and witches mentioned, a character stares into his teacup "as if reading his future in the [tea] leaves"
AWESOME!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Tasha Van Kesteren - 3 years ago
Wow I was blown away by this book! Not my favourite genre but it pleasantly surprised me!
Beautiful Middle-Grade
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Karissa - 3 years ago
Middle-grade fiction is always a hard one to pin down, but Anna Rose Johnson managed to create one with both grace and tact. Her book doesn't shy away from hard topics (divorce, race, prejudice, etc.) while still approaching them appropriately for the age-range. Her characters are dynamic and real, their relationships at times messy, and her themes a breath of fresh air in the general market. <3 So worth a read.
Sweet, Comforting Read
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Alexa M - 3 years ago
My favorite thing about this one was just the overall feel of the book. The writing, the themes, the characters, it just produces this pure, comforting feeling without being too sappy or cheesy. There’s a good balance of honestly showing the emotions of that age and that kind of change, while keeping the reader grounded in the real life so you don’t get swept away in something that feels too dramatic. Norvia’s problems begin, for the most part, outside of her control (which is extremely relatable at any age or time); but it’s her processing of these changes and her reactions to them that the story really focuses on. Even though, I could kinda see where most of it was going, there was still something very sweet about walking with Norvia through those changes. It made sense, how she felt and how she acted, and I rooted for her to find happiness again and peace in herself before the end.
Brilliant! I love it!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Vella Karman - 3 years ago
If I could slip a copy of this book into my childhood, I would! It’s a journey. A childhood classic. A coming-of-age in the best possible sense. A kaleidoscope of pain and hope and dreams and fears and seascapes. Raw and powerfully pure, The Star That Always Stays is brilliant! I love love love middle grade, and this is the best of it. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction anymore because it can feel dead. This is alive! I love everything, but especially the characters. C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” I felt that with moments in this book and with Norvia, Elton, Vernon...they were all so relatable! We all want to be amazing, heroes and heroines–especially when we’re growing up. But sometimes we feel trapped. I think this uncovers joy and the real way to be great: Grace and truth. I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review and decided to buy it too. I may be biased, but this is my best attempt not to be. ;)
Absolutely amazing book! Must read!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Anna - 3 years ago
Oh, my goodness, y'all, this book is absolutely AMAZING!! There are so many things I love about it! For one thing, you have to agree with me that the cover is so beautiful. And it matches the story so well! Additionally, I love the title -- again, it fits the story, and I love how it's almost a bit of foreshadowing. Now, if that's not enough, there is so much I could say about the content. Ms. Anna Rose Johnson is such an amazing author! And the story is authentic. If you know me, you probably know that's some of the highest praise I can give. This is just so real, relatable. Authentic. I love it. The dialogue is authentic. The characters are so well developed and each play a part. Their relationships are relatable. Their interactions all play a purpose. And the details! Those descriptions are so wonderful! She describes the setting, all of the sensory details, etc., in such a way that you feel like you are there in the room. I also found myself impressed with the way Novia's emotions we're written. Not just briefly mentioning them here and there, but also not overly wordy or redundant. No, they were written to be relatable. And that they are. Again, authentic. The plot, the characters, the themes, even the visuals of the cover... I love it all. Definitely five stars!
amazing book!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
meridith - 3 years ago
such a sweet story! the characters and storyline and everything is just amazing!
Best Book I've Read In a While!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 3 years ago
This book was super charming! I Loved it! It had such good messages throughout like courage, bravery, kindness, and graciousness. The family message was also so good! I love the relationships between Norvia and all her many siblings. The romance in this book is sweet and is a nice break from all of the books nowadays with heavy and inappropriate romance! Overall, it was a sweet story with good Christian values!
A book I plan on reading again and again!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Rebecca Washburn - 3 years ago
I absolutely adored this book!! I read this book in a few sittings (unfortunately I never had enough time all at once otherwise I think I would’ve devoured it in one sitting). I love all the ways that Norvia grew throughout this book and all the obstacles in this book. Even though the book is over I’m still speculating how Norvia’s future would’ve looked and I honestly wouldn’t say no to a sequel or an epilogue! The characters are all so unique, but I feel like I’m part of the family. I love how each character interacts with Norvia, but I also love getting to see how characters interact with each other besides Norvia. The many obstacles that Norvia faces makes me wish I had this book when I was younger as I really wish I could’ve learned some of these lessons from this book instead of the hard way. Still, the beautiful thing about reading it now is seeing how someone else might’ve taken similar challenges. This is a book I plan on coming back to (I think this will be a book that will become a seasonal read for around Christmas as it just captures the feelings I tend to have around that time) year after year and simply enjoying a tale that captures all spectrum of feelings and reminds me of the importance of grace. Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Great Read—Highly Recommend!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Bookworms - 3 years ago
This captivating historical fiction book has a good balance between hope and hardship. I was drawn into the story of Norvia and her broken family as her mom gets remarried and they move to a new town. I adored Vernon, his grumpy self, and I laughed at Dicta. I also loved the fact that Anna Rose Johnson made Norvia a bookworm and tied in classics with the book. I recommend The Star That Always Stays to anyone who is looking for a good heartfelt story--one that isn’t dark or fluffy and leaves you with a smile at the end.
Brilliant and beautiful - An excellent book.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Pearl - 3 years ago
There is so much about this book that I loved. Because these are the kinds of books I love, middle-grade Christian historical fiction that isn't too light and fluffy, yet it isn't too dark either. A few of my favorite things about the book: I love how you can relate to Norvia so well, she's a very well-rounded character. 'Kay, maybe it's just because I love almost every single book Norvia compared herself to, but, that always cracked me up. Partly because I used to do it. :'D The siblings' relationships. . .Gah, I always adore books that have sibling dynamics, and this one didn't disappoint. Dicta especially crack me up, all the energy she has. Vernon. . .At first, I hated Vernon for how annoying (or mean?) he was being. I loved how he changed throughout the story and how he grew. And by the end, he was one of my favorite characters, since he and Norvia had patched things up, and that we understood why he was acting the way he was. Aylmer. . . He never failed to crack me up and was quite hilarious. His background was a bit sad, but I love how he and Norvia could relate to each other in that way. The way it's written. . .I love Anna Rose's writing style, her descriptions are fantastic especially. This book was fantastic, one of my new favorites. There isn't anything about it that I didn't love--Which is strange, since I am very picky about books. Quite a shock. XD But that just proves how good this book is. :D
This book was a delight!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Rose - 3 years ago
If you like historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, books from unique points of view, stories that can be shared with anyone... ... Then this is for you. I laughed, I cried, it moved me. I received an e-ARC, and honestly expected a sweet historical story, but not something that would be this deep. I was wrong, and I'm quite glad for it! This has the potential to be a classic: and it's found a place in my heart that I am unwilling to remove it from. Read it yourself and find out why!
Beautiful, Worth Reading Again and Again
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Sarah Abegglen - 3 years ago, Verified purchaser
The Star That Always Stays is a sweet and beautiful story, a true story based off the life of the author’s ancestor. Norvia is a truly incredible protagonist, and I found myself cheering her on as she navigates a new family, freshman year of high school, first crushes, friendships, and being herself… despite what the rest of the world wants her to be. If you’re looking for a book for the whole family to enjoy, The Star That Always Stays will delight and enchant you.
Wonderful for family read-aloud!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
linneajoyauthor - 3 years ago, Verified purchaser
The Star That Always Stays is a gentle story about a broken family learning to hope and dream again. The imperfect characters are loveable and relatable. Readers will cheer for Norvia as she learns to forgive and strives to bring people together with grace. Reading Anna Rose Johnson’s debut novel feels like stepping into a classic such as Anne of Green Gables, with so many sweet and funny family moments like you’ll find in The Penderwicks. This book is recommended for ages 8-12, but, like all truly good children’s books, readers of all ages will enjoy The Star That Always Stays. It’s perfect for a family read-aloud.