Johnson, Anna Rose. The Star That Always Stays. York: PA: Holiday House, 2022.

Guide to Categories: YA Review – review of books for teens

Links in this post may be affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will not cost you more but may pay me an affiliate fee. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites. Thank you for using my links.

Summary

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 every girl 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.

Purchase The Star that Always Stays on Amazon

My YA Review

I love it when authors base books on their family history. Anna Rose Johnson based The Star That Always Stays on her great-grandmother’s life. It appears that she did a good job researching the historical aspects of the story.

Norvia and her siblings are part Ojibwe. Her father was a sailor on Lake Michigan with a habit of taking risks. Her mother and father eventually divorce at a time when divorce was not acceptable. When her mother remarries a widower, Norvia (and her mother) experience all kinds of prejudice because of the previous divorce. There are points in the story that are very heart wrenching because of how they are treated. 

The story is one of surviving and eventually thriving. Norvia’s family was barely surviving as a result of the divorce. Her step family was barely surviving due to the death of their wife/mother. As the family blends together, they move toward thriving.

Readers will learn about the cultural norms of the early 1900’s. They will also learn bits and pieces of Michigan and Ojibwe history throughout the book. 

The Star That Always Stays would be a good addition to the historical fiction section of a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for middle school and up.

I received a complimentary copy of The Star That Always Stays. This is my honest review. 

Read more YA Review posts.

Life is hard sometimes. That’s why it’s important to build strong faith habits on a regular basis, so you’ll be ready whenever the next challenge arrives. That’s exactly what the Focus on Faith Bite Sized Bundle is all about: 13 eBooks, eCourses, and printables to help you pray, study your Bible, grow in trust, and more. Learn more about the Focus on Faith Bite-Sized Bundle here.