*The Star that Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson

In a debut novel reminiscent of Maud Hart Lovelace and Laura Ingalls Wilder, a young girl discovers new friends, family, and hope.

*The Star that Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson. Holiday House, 2022. 224 pages.

Reading Level: Teens, Ages 12-15

Recommended For: Ages 12 and up

Living on Beaver Island wasn’t always easy for Norvia or her family. A flashback to 1910 and later memories recall that life was often laced with worry. But it was also full of stories and wonder and the beauty of nature.

Norvia misses that life, living in Boyne City, Michigan. She misses her grandfather and his stories. But it is 1915. Her grandfather is dead, and her parents are separated. Norvia misses her father and is haunted by his words. He didn’t love the stories of her mother’s people -the Ojibwe who intermarried with the French on Beaver Island. She misses her eldest brother, away working, and her friend -away on summer vacation.

And now Mother is talking about marrying again! Who knows anything about Mr. Ward who Mother is calling by his Christian name. Can Norvia and her siblings trust him? Mother seems happy, but in Norvia’s life, happiness has always been fleeting.

This historical fiction lovingly brings a forgotten era to life. At times slow-moving, it is also engaging with humor emerging, as it does in life, at unexpected moments. The premise reflects reality since it is based on the true story of the author’s great-grandmother.

The Star that Always Stays brings some serious questions to light, in a similar way to Prairie Lotus. But, unlike Prairie Lotus, Anna Rose Johnson laces her story with hope. Norvia is asked to hide her native heritage from her stepfamily. As she grows to know them, she struggles with fear. Would they still care about her if they knew her secrets? Ultimately, she learns that each of us have fears that can shape and haunt us. However there is one thing that can transform fear … Faith.

It is profoundly encouraging to see the positive attention this story is receiving in the wider world -especially since its content is explicitly Christian without being preachy. It is similar to Everything Sad is Untrue in its unapologetically positive portrayal of faith. 

The Star that Always Stays opens with a quotation from Psalm 19, and throughout the book, characters of faith share their hope with Norvia who in time learns to embrace faith and make it personal. For middle-grade readers who love classic stories or history, here is a wonderful glimpse into the historical 20th century Midwest. 

Considerations:

• None, though the book’s historical premise involving divorce, remarriage, and discrimination makes it better for thoughtful middle-grade readers than a younger read-aloud audience.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 5 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Read more about our ratings here.

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader:

• A Review: *Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace (similar in voice
• A Resource: Native American Traditional Tales: #ownvoices
• A Resource: 20th Century Book List for Young Teens

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