The Star That Always Stays

By Anna Rose Johnson

A girl must hide her heritage in a new city, risking her identity for acceptance.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,898 ratings

274 pages

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Norvia, a spirited young girl, moves from Beaver Island to the bustling city, where her mother insists she conceal her Ojibwe roots. As she navigates new family dynamics and city life in 1914, Norvia faces the challenge of staying true to herself while adapting to a world that demands she hide her identity. With the threat of world war looming, she and her siblings strive to make this year their best. Can Norvia balance her heritage with her new life, or will the pressure to conform overshadow her true self?

From the publisher

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. INSPIRING.–Kirkus ReviewsA NEW CLASSIC.–The Southern Bookseller ReviewAn Amazon #1 New Release in Native American Children’s Fiction! 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. INTIMATE.–Publishers WeeklyBEAUTIFUL.–Booklist UNPUTDOWNABLE.–Anne Bustard, author of Parents’ Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!A Parnassus Books Spark Club Pick! An Amazon #1 New Release in Historical Fiction for Children!An Amazon #1 New Release in Stepfamily Fiction for Children!An Amazon #1 New Release in Multicultural Stories for Children!

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