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—both professionally and socially—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 serious issues like assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, fitting in, 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.
Family tree. Author’s note. Glossary and pronunciation guides. Family photographs.
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Gr 5–8—Inspired by the author's family, this historical fiction novel centers 14-year-old Norvia Nelson, a bookish teen in the early 20th century who dreams of being a heroine in her quiet life in Northern Michigan as she adapts to divorce, blending and changing families, and racism. Ojibwe and French Canadian on her mother's side, Norvia is accustomed to the hateful words her father often had for her heritage. When her mother remarries in 1914, she asks her five children to hide this part of their identity from their stepfather. The story focuses primarily on the interpersonal relationships of Norvia and her newly expanded family, though crushes and changing friendships also play a significant role in this book. Bible verses are peppered throughout, and Christianity is a strong focus throughout the story. The author notes she was heavily influenced by Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, and Pollyanna, evident in the vocabulary and drowsy pace, befitting the era. A glossary of Anishinaabemowin and French terms and black-and-white family photographs are included in the back matter. VERDICT Recommended for purchase only where there is high demand for historical fiction, and where classics circulate well.—Monisha Blair