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Title details for The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson - Available

The Star That Always Stays

by Anna Rose Johnson
Elise Randall Modica
Audiobook
1 of 2 copies available
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1 of 2 copies available
"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 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 is? Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine 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, vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson's family history."

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    August 23, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781666617610
      • File size: 236635 KB
      • Duration: 08:12:59

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 13, 2022
      Johnson uses her own great-grandmother’s story as a foundation to deliver an intimate tale chronicling an Indigenous 14-year-old’s life in a new city, set in 1914 on the brink of WWI. Following Norvia Nelson’s parents’ divorce and her mother’s whirlwind nuptials to a white man they hardly know, Norvia’s mother, who is French and Ojibwe, asks her and her siblings to hide their Indigenous heritage from their new stepfamily. The Nelsons soon move from Beaver Island on Lake Michigan to Boyne City, where Norvia longs for her old life listening to her late Grand-père tell stories about their ancestors. Struggling between embracing her heritage and attempting to fit in at her new high school, Norvia channels heroines from her favorite novels, including Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, to navigate shifting family dynamics, community gossip over her parents’ divorce, prejudice, and first love. This introspective, unhurried debut, filled with personal touches from the author’s ancestry as detailed in an author’s note, is populated by memorable characters, such as Norvia’s larger-than-life younger sister. Johnson’s family photographs and an Ojibwe glossary conclude. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jessica Schmeidler, Golden Wheat Literary.

    • School Library Journal

      October 1, 2022

      Gr 3-7-Debut novelist Johnson reveals in her ending author's note (not included in the audiobook) that her story here is inspired by her ancestors: Norvia was her great-grandmother. Indigenous voice actor Elise Randall Modica enhances the authenticity as Johnson's sensitive aural surrogate. The fictional Norvia is also 14 in 1914, the daughter of an Ojibwe/French mother and Swedish father. After her parents' divorce, her mother insists on hiding their Indigenous background when she remarries. Norvia is initially unsure of stepfather "Uncle Virgil," but his support of her education, their shared love of books, and his active kindness for all the children earn her trust and love. Modica is mostly an easy, even narrator, but she displays her charm when assuming precocious eight-year-old Dicta's pronouncements and wannabe suitor Aylmer's courtly speeches. VERDICT Johnson's historical fiction warms hearts-and ears.

      Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Elise Randall Modica brings heart to this story, set in Michigan in 1914. Fourteen-year-old Norvia Nelson's early memories of life on Lake Michigan's Beaver Island sustain her in Boyne City as she struggles to accept her parents' divorce and her mother's remarriage. Because her now-estranged Pa had scorned their Ojibwe heritage, Ma says not to reveal it to her stepfather. Modica, who is Ojibwe herself, captures the Anishinaabemowin-inflected cadences of Norvia's elders. Other stand-out characterizations include Norvia's indomitable little sister, her endearingly pompous new stepbrother, and her unremittingly kind stepfather. Norvia emerges as a determined girl who draws on stories and books, as well as her Christian faith, to reconcile the past and present and to embrace the future. This domestic charmer hums with love. V.S. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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