Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper


Stella by Starlight
Written by Sharon M. Draper
Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
Published January 6th 2015
336 Pages
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia
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Stella lives in the segregated South. In Bumblebee, North Carolina, to be exact about it. Some stores she can go into. Some stores she can't. Some folks are right pleasant. Others are a lot less so. To Stella, it sort of evens out, and heck, the Klan hasn't bothered them for years. But one late night, later than she should ever be up, much less wandering around outside, Stella and her little brother see something they're never supposed to see, something that is the first flicker of change to come, unwelcome change by any stretch of the imagination. As Stella's community, her world, is upended, she decides to fight fire with fire. And she learns that ashes don't necessarily signify an end.
It's 1932 in small town North Carolina, where Stella lives with the prejudice of the town's predominantly white community. Those of colour are segregated, working as slave labour to make ends meet for their families. They are sneered at and treated as worse than the common criminal only because of the colour of their skin. So when Stella and younger brother Jojo sneak out in the middle of the night, little does she know that the group of nine men in the white hooded robes will take away what little freedom they've been allowed. The coloured families of Bumblebee rely on one another, building a community of hope, strength and safety so that their children may have the opportunities that previous generations would never have dared to dream of.

At twelve years old, Stella knows she'll never be allowed to mix with the local white children from privileged families, attend the same school or buy her clothing from a store, but she can pen stories that may just change the world. One day.

My Thoughts


Stella By Starlight was phenomenal, poignant and inspirational. Told through the eyes of twelve year old Stella in 1932, after witnessing the Ku Klux Klan burning a sacrificial crucifix in the middle of the night. Stella lives in a world of segregation, where one day she dreams of a world where everyone is equal, regardless of colour. Slavery may have ended, but the community of Bumblebee will never be free. Living in fear of being the next victims of the Klan, Stella's own father is determined to make a stand, if not for himself, but for his children to find strength in his own actions. He enrolls to vote.
'For once in my life, I must be a man,' Papa replied. 'I'd like to think I am standing up, along with Mr. Spencer and Pastor Patton, standing up for all of us. If I don't stand up, I feel like I'm crouching low. And I ain't gonna feel low no more.'
Throughout the storyline, Stella begins to share her inner thoughts in the form of short stories. She's a strong willed girl living in a time of prejudice and injustice, but shares the underlying message of hope. I loved her fiercely, wavering between wanting to protect her against the cruel history of segregation and championing her to spread her wings. As the saying goes, It takes a village to raise a child, no truer word has been spoken about the Bumblebee community. They band together through the threats of the Klan, a devastating house fire and a child beating. It's confronting, uncomfortable and incredibly emotional. But a story that needs to be told.

But beneath the brutality, lies a beautiful story about family, hope and the spirit of a community that won't be broken.
Nearly the entire negro population of Bumblebee stood in the street, quietly waiting while the three men voted.
This isn't just another middle grade novel, it's an experience.

33 comments

  1. I haven't read historical fiction in quite a long time, and I'm also eager for a Middle Grade book. It's great to know that this is quite the different read, and I'm getting the same vibes from the blurb. Great review, Kelly! I'm definitely giving this a go some time when I'm in the mood for a book that is related to a deep topic such as racism.

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    1. It's absolutely brilliant Naban. Just incredible! It's more than just the racism though, the underlying message is one of hope and it was breathtaking. I really hope you can grab a copy.

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  2. I love MG books so much, especially because most of them focus a lot on friendships and sibling relationships. I am also obsessed with historical fiction. And I love reading about other writers. I also loved Out of My Mind, also written by Sharon M. Draper. And that cover is gorgeous. In short, this is totally the book for me.

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    1. Me too Ana and for that very same reason. Often young adult storylines get weighed down by romance, but with middle grade the characters shine. This is one of the best middle grade books I've ever read. So poignant and beautiful.

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  3. Oh wow. Stella sounds like a fierce little girl. I would really like to read more of these type of books, so thanks for putting it on my radar. You know what I like. :) I can only imagine the scope of hardship Stella and her family go through in this novel. Fantastic review, as usual! <3

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    1. Thanks Joy.

      You'll absolutely love this one. It's so much more than middle grade, it's really an experience. I fell in love with Stella, her determination to make the most of what little she had in life. I can't wait for you to grab a copy Joy.

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  4. I saw this in the shops the other day, and the title caught my attention. I think I'll definitely be reading it now! Usually this does not look like something that would usually catch my attention, but you've convinced me. :)

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    1. It's beautiful Kara, I have absolutely no doubt that you'll love this one.

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  5. This sounds like an amazing book with a very important message. Even though I’m trying not to buy books your review makes me want this oh so bad.

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    1. Oh no, this is worth breaking a book buying ban for. Just this once. It's utterly brilliant.

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  6. Huh I've never heard of this one before but I adore the cover! It's gorgeous and I love MG novels so this sounds like one I should def check out. I'm so glad that you loved it, Kels!

    Lovely review, hun <33

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    1. The cover was one of the first things that drew me in, but the storyline is just beautiful. Everyone needs to read the importance of Stella's story and it'll definitely appeal to middle grade, young adult and adult readers.

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  7. I think, if I read this book, I will cry. And so naturally I will be on the lookout for it. See that's the thing about children's literature - it can hit nerves that YA or Adult just can't. I love it so much.

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    1. That's a beautiful way of putting it Mawa, it certainly does. When you don't have vapid romances or unnecessary drama, you end up with a incredibly emotional and raw storyline. This one is phenomenal.

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  8. This sounds beautiful. I really do love Sharon Draper; I read some of her books when I was younger. I need to read more though!!

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    1. This is my first Sharon Draper book, but looking forward to checking out her other titles.

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  9. I feel somewhat emotional just by reading your review. I love middle grade but isn't it especially hard to read middle grade novels that deal with such heavy issues? It breaks my heart thinking about little kids who would have to live through that. It makes me want to scream from the unfairness of it all but it helps to remember things aren't the same as they were 80 years ago.

    Gorgeous review, hon <3

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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    1. It is. When seeing it through a child's eyes it really draws you into the storyline. I was so emotional reading about Stella's life, but on the other hand, the underlying hope behind the racism and abuse from the white Klan members made for an incredible read. You can't help but fall in love with Stella, she was just so genuine.

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  10. This book sounds right up my alley! I love historical fiction and this one sounds beautiful. Love the cover as well. Great review Kelly (:

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    1. Thanks Shan. If you're a fan of historical, you'll absolutely adore this one. It's emotional and simply beautiful. The community of Bumblebee were able to rise about the racism and spread a message of hope to the next generation.

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  11. Wow - this definitely sounds like an amazing read! I love historical fiction, especially ones that deal with such poignant times in modern history. Thanks for the fabulous review Kelly, I'll definitely be looking into this one :)

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    1. You'll absolutely love it poppet, I have no doubt. It was just so beautiful, yet confronting and not your average middle grade read. I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  12. Oh my god this just sounds so breath-taking and magically done. Your review was beautiful and I'm honestly at a bit of a loss for words after reading it!

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    1. Thanks Allie.

      But it truly is. The racism was horrific, but so raw and confronting. But the underlying message of hope and dignity was breathtaking!

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  13. Oh, I LOVE inspirational books and movies! Currently watching Dead Poets Society and I'm enjoying it so so much! Will definitely put this on my TBR. NOT what I'm normally used to reading, but a change might be good. Fantastic review, lovely!

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    1. I loved that movie too Lola!

      I've been getting more and more into middle grade lately, with being so sick of the regular young adult that focus on romance and the storyline gets lost within all the regular tropes. Add this one, it's phenomenal.

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  14. Wow, this sounds absolutely amazing Kelly. I'm amazed by the themes that are tackled in this MG. This truly doesn't sound like any other MG out there, and I think it definitely should get more publicity because it sounds like a book that everyone should. Beautiful review lovely!

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    1. Thanks Joy. It truly is. The prose is simple, but the characters give the the storyline such complexity that this will appeal to not only middle grade readers, but young adult and adults alike. I can't recommend this one highly enough.

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  15. This sounds really heart-breaking and at the same time, inspirational. Middle Grade books have become more and more great for me lately, and I love it when they have heavy concepts such as this one in them. It really gives you an intimate look at how a child would take and perceive these things. Sometimes, the thoughts of a child, as simple as some may be, can give us lessons on life.

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. Me too Faye. Some of my favourite reads over the past six months have been middle grade. It makes such a nice change from the young adult books that seem to keep rehashing the same tired old tropes.

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  16. Wow, it sounds like it has a really deep historical story line and I'm glad as a MG novel it doesn't shy away from that. Stella sounds like a wonderful hero character to have as well. Great review Kelly <3

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  17. I haven't even heard of this one but it does sound like an amazing story. I HATE that there are such horrible things in history, but I do think it is important that stories like this are told so a new generation will read them and (hopefully) not repeat history's mistakes. Great review Kelly.

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  18. This is unlike any book I have ever seen, I really want to give this book a go! It sounds so incredibly interesting that I wish that I had it right now, I can't wait to get my hands on this one, great review as always!

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