Synopses & Reviews
Angel Morgan needs help. Daddy is in jail, and Mama has abandoned her and her little brother, leaving them with their great-grandmother. Grandma is aged and poor, and doesn’t make any attempt to care for the children—that’s left up to Angel, even though she is not yet twelve. The only bright spot in Angel’s existence is the Star Man, a mysterious stranger who appears on clear nights and teaches her all about the stars and planets and constellations. “We’re made out of the same stuff as the stars,” he tells her.
Eventually, Grandma warms to the children and the three begin to cobble together a makeshift family. Then events in Angel’s life take yet another downturn, and she must once again find a way to persevere.
Review
"Rosenthal's spare writing superbly captures the emotional growth of a girl on the cusp of adolescence, despite its specific historical context."--School Library Journal "The overall tone is one of solidarity in spite of difficulties."--Booklist
Review
"A gently written tale of family caught in the most corrosive of situations,…readers will recognize and root for Angel." Kirkus Reviews, Starred
5Q/5P "Paterson's deft characterization, her insight into the human soul, and her glorious prose make this book one to rejoice over." VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
"Patersons beautiful words root the wonder of astronomy in gritty details of daily survival. This focused story evokes timeless tales." Booklist, ALA
"Thanks to the fine talent of Paterson, childrens literature has another memorable heroine." KLIATT
"Those who love her work will celebrate; those who arent familiar with it will have discovered a new star." Riverbank Review
"Patersons salt-of-the-earth style is in fine form here, making Angels dilemma credible, and Angel herself a compelling and believable figure." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"...Magical book...takes place in the most unmagical...circumstances...complex story...about what it takes to be a good person." NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW New York Review of Books
"Angel is an ultimately triumphant character." The HORN BOOK GUIDE, Pointer Review Horn Book Guide, Pointer
Synopsis
A poignant and historical novel in verse about a Jewish family of twelve children told from the point of view of and#8220;just plain Edith, number fourand#8221; as she tries to figure out her place in both her family and the world at large. Set in the depression era Baltimore, Looking for Me is filled with the joy, pain, humor, and sadness of a real immigrant family pursuing the American dream.
Synopsis
One of twelve siblings growing up in Depression-era Baltimore, Edith isnand#8217;t quite sure of who she is. Between working at her fatherand#8217;s diner, taking care of her younger siblings, and living in the shadow of her more mature sisters, she feels lost in a sea of siblings. When a kind teacher encourages Edith to be a teacher herself one day, Edith sees prospects for a future all her own. Full of joy, pain, humor, and sadness, this novel in verse is an enduring portrait of one familyand#8217;s pursuit of the American dream.