Book Review for "Every Soul A
Star," by Wendy Mass
Fashion queen, bullied outsider, and nature- lover. Does it sound like these three belong in the same category? Absolutely not. But in Every Soul A Star, by Wendy Mass, they just might get along.
When Bree, a 13 year old drama who’s only goal in life is to become the “Prom Princess” in high school, learns that she will be moving away from home for three years to live in a campground in the middle of nowhere, she wants to scream. What will happen to the overly expensive wardrobe that took her years to build up? What will happen to her placement in the highest group of popular, fashion-loving girls in the eighth grade? She cannot imagine a life without mini-skirts and platform shoes.
Next is Jack, a teenager that can’t seem to find his place in the world. Described as “overweight and awkward” on the back cover of the book, Jack is only comfortable when he is drawing in the back of science class or flying through his dreams. He never saw his real father- the only dad he ever knew was one of the 3 or 4 step-dads his mother had married throughout his childhood years.
The last character is Ally- a contented girl living in Moon Shadow Campground, a small campground managed by her family in, well, the middle of nowhere. Along with her little brother and parents, the soon-to-be 13 year old is as happy as can be. Homeschooled and hopeful, Ally wants to be nowhere else in the world.
So how do these three completely different people meet up? A solar eclipse does the trick. The Moon Shadow Campground is in the exact spot where the eclipse will happen- that’s what Ally’s family has been preparing for all along. Thousands will meet at the tiny campground to witness this miracle of nature……and Bree and Jack are coming along for the ride! Bree’s parents are scientists, so Ally’s family, the Summers, will be handing over Moon Shadow as soon as the eclipse is over. Bree’s science- loving parents and little sister can’t wait, but the only thing Bree is excited about is the totally cute boy who is always hanging around Ally. As for Jack, this was either helping the science teacher with an eclipse experiment, or summer school. Jack went for the eclipse. When the science teacher, Mr. Silver, has to leave for his wife’s pregnancy, it’s up to Ally, Jack, and Bree to perform the experiment. The exciting times they have bring them closer together, and when the eclipse finally comes, it is quite a moving story. School Library Journal says that the book is “entirely engaging and oddly thrilling”- and I must agree.
The solar eclipse is not the only miracle in this novel- the other miracle is their friendship. Witnessing the quiet bonding of these three characters is a truly exciting topic, sure to leave you wanting more. Every Soul A Star covers everything, from science to socializing to romance. You’re sure to be on the edge of your seat, turning page after page as you read this touching novel. You’ll be reluctant to finish Wendy Mass’s moving masterpiece.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Jane, 12
New York
Author Bio:
Hi! I love to write, read, and hang out with friends. I love my friends more than anything in the world. I'm a twin (her name is Caroline - look for her on NMG!). My b-day is March 4th. I'm on a swim team, and I love to Irish step dance (I've been doing it for 7 years!). My sun sign is Pisces the fish. My Chinese Calendar animal is the tiger, which represents bravery. I have 6 best friends, including my sister, although she won't admit it. Check out my stuff. I'd appreciate it if you comment! ;)
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