I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS by Anna Rose Johnson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
About The Book:
Title: THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYSAuthor: Anna Rose Johnson
Pub. Date: July 12, 2022
Publisher: Holiday House
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 224
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audiobook, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org
When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know youâre Ojibwe.
"INSPIRING."âKirkus Reviews
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A #1 New Release in Native American Children's Fiction!
A #1 New Release in Historical Fiction for Children!
A #1 New Release in Stepfamily Fiction for Children!
Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia storiesâstories 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, Norviaâs mother forces her to pretend sheâs not Native at allâeven to Mr. Ward, Maâs new husband, and to Vernon, Norviaâs irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. Itâs 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 siblingsâall five of themâare 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 Johnsonâs family history.
"INTIMATE."âPublishers Weekly
"UNPUTDOWNABLE."âAnne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies
Review:
Norvia Nelson desperately wants to be the heroine of her own stories, just like the adventurous and popular girls she reads about in the books she loves. However, life is about to change drastically for Norvia when her parents divorce and Norvia moves from the quaint Beaver Island to the city with her new step family. Divorced women are ostracized in 1914, but that's not all Norvia has to deal with. Her mother tells her not to let people know that she is Ojibwe, even though Norvia is proud of her heritage and loves the Ojibwe stories that her grandfather shared with her. Norvia is excited to start high school and her new stepfather, Mr. Ward, encourages Norvia to attend. Some of the girls that Norvia was friends with before, now shun her for her mother's divorce. Norvia makes the decision to be a peacemaker, like in her favorite story and bring people together.
The Star that Always Stays is a middle grade historical fiction coming of age story written from Norvia's unique perspective of an Ojibwe and French teen. The author drew on the stories and history of her own family for the book, I could tell there was a strong connection to the characters through the writing. Norvia's spirit leapt off the page. I could feel her internal struggles with wanting to honor her heritage and her mother telling her not to let people know. I loved Norvia's love of books and how she wanted to emulate the heroines, but needed to find her own way of going about it. The Ojibwe stories that were incorporated through flashbacks were amazing, I wish there were more. These stories helped Norvia to realize who she was and steered her in the right direction for the difficult decisions she had to make with her family and school. I liked that Norvia's step family was supportive and encouraging rather than the evil step family trope. She forged true relationships with Mr. Ward and her stepbrother Vernon and redefined her family. Norvia's sister Dicta was easily the most amusing character with her outspoken and honest remarks. The Mary's were also wonderful characters that I would have loved to learn more about. The ending is a perfect fit for Norvia and the pictures of the author's real family are a great addition.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
About Anna Rose Johnson:
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 Chippewa Tribe; The Star That Always Stays is directly based on her great-grandmother. Find her at annarosejohnson.com.
Website | Twitter | Facebook Group | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon
Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveawayTour Schedule:
Week One:
7/4/2022 |
Excerpt |
|
7/4/2022 |
Excerpt |
|
7/5/2022 |
IG Review |
|
7/5/2022 |
Excerpt/IG Post |
|
7/6/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/6/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/7/2022 |
Excerpt/IG Post |
|
7/7/2022 |
Excerpt |
|
7/8/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/8/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
Week Two:
7/11/2022 |
Excerpt |
|
7/11/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/12/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/12/2022 |
IG Post |
|
7/13/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/13/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/14/2022 |
Review/IG Post |
|
7/14/2022 |
Review |
|
7/15/2022 |
Review |
|
7/15/2022 |
IG Review |