Ever since her mom
died when she was little, Lily's been raised by her grandma and grandpa. They
live right above their store in Maine. It's a bustling town during blueberry
season when workers come to help with the harvest and the tourists buy blueberry
products. This summer, Lily has been feeling distant from her best friend, and wishes
things could go back to the way they were. Thank goodness, for her dog, Lucky.
Unfortunately, he’s having trouble with his vision and can't see very well. Lily’s
hoping to afford an expensive operation that might help Lucky. He's one of her
last connections to her mom. After her dog gets loose and runs to the blueberry
fields she meets Salma, a girl her age, who is helping with the picking. Lily
and Salma become fast friends. Together they work to raise money to get Lucky
the surgery he needs. Now the Blueberry Festival preparations are beginning and
soon the pageant for Blueberry Queen will take place. This year her former best
friend will be running against Salma. There's more than just the crown at
stake, there’s money and a sense of belonging. No matter what Lily expected
from the pageant there was no way she could've guessed the events that would
unfold. Will the girls raise enough money for Lucky’s surgery? Who will be
crowned the next Blueberry Queen? How will Lily deal with her friendship
issues?
I have read many books
by Cynthia Lord and I was pleased to read A
Handful of Stars. I heard her speak
about the book at the Connecticut Children’s Book Fair this past November. It
was great to dive into the story knowing a little bit more about the background
of the migrant workers who go to Maine, and I remembered Ms. Lord talking about
how the cover was designed. This is a wonderful story about family and
relationships. It helps kids learn about old and new friends. Another important
theme is going outside of the box and learning to believe in yourself. It was
also a good lesson for Lily that sometimes what we wish for most isn't what's
best, so we shouldn't close our minds off to other ways our hopes can be
answered. I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who like realistic
fiction. A definite treat for any dog lovers out there! There are great things
throughout the book that make the story stay with you long after you turn the
last page. This is a book that made me laugh and I even shed a few tears.
I've thought about the characters a lot and that tells
me something about the book.
Has anyone else read A Handful of Stars? Or have you read
another book by Cynthia Lord? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~L