A Handful of Stars

By Cynthia Lord

A runaway dog sparks a friendship that challenges belonging and prejudice.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 6,005 ratings

192 pages· 32,676 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Lily's summer takes an unexpected turn when her blind dog runs away and is caught by Salma, a migrant worker's daughter. As they bond over painting bee boxes, Salma's decision to enter the Blueberry Queen pageant tests their friendship and the town's views on belonging. Can an outsider truly win acceptance? Set against the backdrop of Maine's blueberry barrens, this story explores themes of friendship, prejudice, and self-discovery.

From the publisher

This powerful middle-grade novel from the Newbery Honor author of Rules explores a friendship between a small-town girl and the daughter of migrant workers.When Lily’s blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it’s Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season. After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily’s grandfather, and Salma’s friendship transforms Lily’s summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they’ll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant – and possibly win?Set amongst the blueberry barrens and by the sea, this is a gorgeous new novel by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord that tackles themes of prejudice and friendship, loss and love.

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