Awards
2002 Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
Synopses & Reviews
2013 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award
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 doesnt make any attempt to care for the children—thats left up to Angel, even though she is not yet twelve. The only bright spot in Angels existence is the Star Man, a mysterious stranger who appears on clear nights and teaches her all about the stars and planets and constellations. “Were 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 Angels life take yet another downturn, and she must once again find a way to persevere.
Katherine Patersons keen sensitivity and penetrating sense of drama bring us a moving story of throwaway children, reminding us of the incredible resilience of childhood and the unquenchable spirit that, in spite of loss, struggles to new beginnings.
Review
"Paterson asks her readers to think about what it means, exactly, for one person to be responsible for another, and what it takes to be a good person. She throws light on how abuse, mistrust, selfishness and abandonment can be passed down from generation to generation; and how promises that aren't kept can break hearts and poison the soul." The New York Times
Review
"Few authors explore the theme of what defines a family with more compassion and sensitivity than Paterson, as she demonstrates once again in this contemporary novel set in rural Vermont." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Paterson has once again crafted a beautifully written, wonderfully told story that exposes some of the most disturbing parts of our society while at the same time teaching the value of each and every person." School Library Journal
Synopsis
Abandoned by her mother, Angel Morgan and her brother live with their great-grandmother. The only bright spot in Angel's life is a mysterious stranger who appears on clear nights and teaches her about the stars.
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
Katherine Paterson's many awards include two Newbery Medals for Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved, two National Book Awards, and the Hans Christian Andersen Medal.