This story is sweet, authentic, and so much fun! I enjoyed the historical fiction elements, and I think this book is perfect for children around Norvia's age to read. Overall, I loved it!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

Such a sweet, adorable, and fun read!! I don't always enjoy middle grade but this one was charming! I wish it had been published when I was younger and more the age of Norvia but even still I loved it!

I am a huge fan of classics, especially ones such as Anne of Green Gables and Pollyanna, so with this book written in that sort of fashion was simply amazing! I loved all the classics mentioned throughout and it has now put me in the mood to dig up some old favorites.

If you love middle grade, classics, and family life, you will love this book!! A very endearing read that I'm sure I'll return to again!

*I recieved an advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book follows fourteen year old Norvia Nelson, who has spent most of her life on Beaver Island – an island on Lake Michigan – with her parents, siblings, and several grandparents. However, her parents have recently divorced and her mother is remarrying a man Norvia hardly knows, and with this change they are moving into a new house in Boyne City. Though Norvia is excited to go to high school, something she never thought she’d be able to do, she also has to contend with the changes her life is going through, the prejudice her fellow students hold against her as a divorcée’s daughter, and also – at her mother’s request – hiding her Ojibwe heritage from everyone including her new step-family.

I really enjoyed myself while reading this book. I expected to fly through it, like most middle-grade books I read – however, its slower pace and contemplative tone meant it took me a little longer to get through than I expected. This is by no means a criticism, however, because once I got used to the pace and style, I found myself immersed in Norvia’s thoughts, day-to-day life, struggles, and journey to find a place in her new life. While Norvia’s characterization was a little basic, its simplicity worked in this story.

I liked the interlude chapters that gave flashbacks to what Norvia’s life was like on Beaver Island, before moving to the city. You could really see how close her family was to each other and how life on Beaver Island symbolized Norvia’s connection to her French and Ojibwe heritage, through stories her Grandpére told her and cultural traditions she partook in with her grandmother and great-grandmother (Young Mary and Old Mary!). Norvia being asked to not talk about her heritage and leave behind her life on Beaver Island added this palpable sense of longing throughout the book.

Another aspect I liked was the way this book connected itself to other stories set around/before this time, by having Norvia fall in love and see herself in books like Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Secret Garden, Pollyanna, Patty Fairfield, and more. As someone who loved several of these books as a child, this aspect felt so familiar and made me smile. The author definitely succeeded in making this book be something you’d enjoy if you’re a lover of those classics.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an early copy to review.

great book!
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with an e-arc. in exchange for an hoenst review!

Deeply authentic and soulful, Johnson’s charming debut pulls us into Norvia’s early 20th century world as she navigates all the changes that come with a new stepfamily amidst the typical struggles of high school friendships and romance. Inspired by the author’s Ojibwe heritage, The Star that Always Stays is a must-read for any fan of historical middle grade fiction.

Characters:

Norvia felt so very . . . real from the moment I met her. I connected with her almost instantly, mostly because of her deep sensitivity to conflict and the feelings of others (Any other HSPs out there relate?). Her thoughtful way of viewing the world and her love for books was deeply relatable. I loved watching her gradually grow throughout the story as she embraced her heritage and discovered her place both in her new family and in her community amidst the turmoil of change. Most of all, I loved how the stories her grandfather told her about her heritage influenced her actions throughout the story.

The sibling interactions were some of my favorite parts of the book! Each of Norvia’s family members was memorable and distinct while still feeling like real people. Dicta was positively adorable and the perfect comic relief! While I found some of her dialogue unrealistic for an eight-year-old, she had me chuckling so many times. Vernon was a lot of fun too, and while the author highlighted his understandable hostility toward his new family, I thought she did a fantastic job bringing sympathy and humanness to his character. (Also, I can’t end this section without mentioning Aylmer. He was such a dear!)

Plot:

Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going, Johnson would surprise me with a slight subversion of expectation. The charm of this story is that it roots you in the familiarity of high school and coming of age while adding the unique perspective of a half Ojibwe family—which combined, create a truly authentic and gripping story.

While it’s not your high-paced adventure, it is a sweet family read that captivates you with its fascinating character depth and motivation, reminiscent of real life. There were a few details that confused me, but for the most part the story flowed smoothly and made sense.

It’s obvious the author has done her research as the story is lush with vibrant historical detail. I gained so much fascinating insight into the culture and morality of that decade that I wasn’t familiar with before.

Themes:

This book deals with several heavy, mature themes that you don’t often see in middle grade, such as divorce, race, and remarriage. Yet Johnson handled these difficult topics tastefully and admirably while still portraying them honestly.

Another aspect I really appreciated was the subtle Christian undertone. Johnson managed to achieve a wonderful balance between allowing her faith to influence the story while keeping it from overpowering the integrity of the story. It added a beautiful tone of hope and second chances to the story.

Prose:

Johnson’s prose was just delightful to read—so lilting and soothing, with a subtle old-fashioned influence. Her descriptions were perfectly balanced—she painted each scene with broad vibrant strokes that immediately immersed me without weighing me down with the details. I adored all the flashbacks to Beaver Island—it seems like such an enchanting place!

All in all, The Star that Always Stays is a thoroughly wholesome and heartwarming read rooted deep in history and rich with nuance. It strikes a chord because it speaks to a universal human experience—the desire to find home and belonging. And in that way, it is a story we can all relate to. I can’t wait to read more of what Johnson writes!

Growing up on an island, Norvia has always listened to her family’s stories. Stories told by her grand-père about their ancestors. She learned how to make maple syrup and sew quilts, all while running wild with her siblings. On her island, Norvia was proud of her heritage. But when her parents move them to the city, and her father stays behind, Norvia now has to live by one rule: don’t let anyone know you’re Ojibwe. But there are so many new things that the city offers. Ten cent movies, high school, soda shops, and even a new family. As the threat of war looms overhead, Norvia and her siblings are determined to make this year the best one they’ve ever had, even if it means breaking the rule.

It’s easy to say that this is one of my new favourite books. I adored Norvia and her siblings, all five of them, and the way that Johnson writes is akin to the books that Norvia loves. The setting was fresh and new, the characters were all lovable, and I found myself drawn into the story so much that I stayed up late to finish it.

Norvia’s love for books with strong female heroines, such as Anne Shirley or Mary Lennox, makes this book a true classic. Even the mundane 1914 day-to-day life of a teenage girl was so beautifully illustrated that I cannot wait for this book to be published. Johnson drew on her own family history, which was layered so well into this book. The pictures at the end added a wonderful touch.

Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House and the author for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

'The Star That Always Stays' by Anna Rose Johnson is a historical fiction set in the pre-world war 1 era. This book follows the journey of little Norvia, as she makes her way to the city, all the way from a small island around Lake Michigan.

I loved this book for so many reasons; the story, the beautiful writing and the remarkable characters. Soon after coming to the city, Norvia's mother re-marries. Settling into the unknown urban life, Norvia's Ma makes her hide her true ethnic heritage, something that's precious to her. Being Ojibwe is what defines her and it's all that she had known since childhood. With her father leaving, her mother re-marrying and moving thousands of miles and her having to conceal her heritage; Norvia feels utterly lost. It's the story of how she navigates through all the changes in her life and cope with the absence of her father. I also loved Norvia's siblings and her step-brother, their relationship added layers to the story.

This book seemed like a re-telling of Anne of Green Gables sometimes and the references to classics made this one all the more special. I am so glad I requested this book on NetGalley and many thanks for granting my request.

The Star That Always Stays is a wonderful love letter to all the classic female coming-of-age stories such as Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. Author Anna Rose Johnson channels the slower tone and style of those classic books and delightfully puts her own spin on them to create a novel that young adults of all genders can appreciate.

Young protagonist Norvia lives on Beaver Island in Canada in the early 1900s, of half-white and half-Ojibwe descent. She grows up listening to her native grandfather tell her stories and myths of the Ojibwe. coming to love stories and books of all kinds herself, even though her father thinks they are silly. When big life changes cause her mother to move most of the family to the United States, Norvia must balance adjusting to city life, accepting a new family, starting high school, and the idea that she must hide her half-Ojibwe heritage from everyone in her new town.

Norvia is an introspective young girl, and this is reflected in Johnson's writing. There is no fast-paced action thriller here; the journey is in following Norvia's coming to terms with all the changes in her day-to-day life. Norvia herself is a fan of classic books such as The Secret Garden and especially Anne of Green Gables and wishes to be a "true heroine" like Mary Lennox and Anne Shirley. The idea of struggling to live up to your own expectations is woven throughout Novia's story and is something I believe many readers of all ages can relate to. Norvia's conflicting feelings about her mixed heritage in pre-World War I America is not a plotline I often see in middle-grade books, and is a welcome addition to the genre. Norvia grows and makes mistakes as any teenager would do, but the end of her personal journey feels well-deserved and organic rather than rushed and fabricated.

Johnson surprises the reader with an afterword explaining that Norvia is based off a real ancestor of hers, and most of the people in the book also have some historical basis. The careful attention to detail and history truly helps this book shine and stand out, and would be a wonderful addition to middle-grade bookshelves everywhere.

I enjoyed this one. Norvia was able to embrace all parts of her family heritage; French, Swedish, Ojibwe, as well as advertorial the ability to choose to be happy. She wants nothing more than to be like the heroines in her favorite books, but just learn the truth that made them heroines. They didn't change themselves to fit a preconceived mold, they were fiercely themselves.

This was such a heart warming read! The novel is very reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, which are some of my favourite. Norvia was a great protagonist. She was engaging, likeable, and her motivations throughout the novel were relatable.
There was an overarching theme of family in the book, which was very sweet. This novel just makes me smile thinking about it. Even though the setting was over a century ago, the book feels very timeless. Norvia embracing her indigenous heritage was an important message to share, and learning the real-life origins of this novel made the book feel even more poignant.
It was so refreshing to read a novel set in the early 1900s where the main character wasn’t white and had divorced parents.
I definitely recommend this novel for fans of Louisa May Alcott and L.M. Montgomery. Or I think middle grade girls would also relate to this novel.

eARC provided by NetGalley for an impartial review.

Coming age is one of big step in children life. This book portraying those stage beautifully with each step out MC must handling in her young life.
Rich with historical setting and detail this story touch my heart and make the reading journey so special.

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with this beautiful book.

This book delicates weaves multiple coming of age themes together beautifully. I really enjoyed the characters and the references to other classic works. This book is one that I will personally buy a hard copy of to keep in my classroom and personal library. Thankful to have been given an advance digital copy through Netgalley.

*I received an electronic copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*

Set during the late 1800s to early 1900s, this book is a gem for anyone who loves reading books set during the Edwardian, pre-WW1 era. Initially set on Beaver Island in Canada, the book then moves into the United States in a more populated area. The book provides the invaluable perspective of a non-white young girl that many books during this era (think Anne of Green Gables and Pollyanna) are missing.

This book touches on so many important topics that many middle-school aged girls struggle with– identity, divorce and remarriage of parents, friendships, first crushes, being proud of heritage, preparing for the future… just to name a few.

The main character, Norvia, will resonate with so many young girls and it will be so easy for them to identify with at least one facet of her life. She’s stubborn, shy, and a little egocentric. While a little tedious for an adult reader, her growth during the book was a joy to follow.

But what made this book special, in my opinion, was it’s origin in the author’s own family history. Not only was this book thoroughly researched, as evidenced by correct language use and detailed Native American history, but it was also obviously a labor of love. It was so special to read something to close to the author and her identify, and the family photographs attached at the end were a delightful surprise.

The Star That Always Stays is a historical fiction set in 1914 that follows a young girl (Norvia) as she navigates a new step-family, a move, a new school, social pressures, and first crushes. I quickly became immersed in Norvia's world. The book's language is very reminiscent of well-known classics, that Norvia cites and loves, without feeling dated. Norvia's struggle to find herself felt universal and fresh. The setting, time period, and Native culture were unfamiliar to me and I enjoyed learning about them.
I think the connection to the author's family made this even more special. In addition to the photographs, I would have loved a map so that I can understand where Beaver Island is in relation to her new life.

A lovely story reminiscent of the stories its protagonist falls in love with - Anne of Green Gables and the like. Beautifully written and well crafted.

"It occurred to Norvia that the qualities that made up a heroine were inside them- not things that other people had control over."

Uprooting your whole life and moving to the city where everything changes is never easy. It's even more difficult when you are told to hide the indigenous heritage and ancestors that you are proud of. Norvia is the perfect character to illustrate such turbulence in the resulting familial issues and teaches many lessons along the way that she learns herself.

This middle-grade YA story is full of ancestral pride while handling sensitive topics such as racism and divorce well. Set in the early 1900s with mentions of World War I, Norvia and her family must relocate to the city due to her mother's new marriage after a scandalous divorce. Norvia's father was known for his negativity and for berating his kids at times, but the divorce means life changes and change is never easy no matter the circumstance. With the new marriage comes less money trouble, the prospect of attending school again, and a sensitive stepbrother.

The writing was wonderful and I found it to be such a unique story. I really enjoyed how it was all based on the authors own ancestors and familial history. The story contained many great life lessons from a very relatable perspective as Norvia was a strong narrator who gave thought to her actions and the consequences that resulted. The author mentions at the end of the story the amount of research that went into getting all the historical and cultural details right and it shows in how effortlessly the story is told while remaining true to history. The nod to various classic books was a fun touch as well.

One thing I would've perhaps liked to see a little more of is more about Norvia's father. While Norvia loved him, she always mentions how he berated her and her siblings for reading and other things like attending school and for simply being of "Indian" blood. We do see a little bit more about him in various flashbacks and mentions, but nothing that gives us a better look at understanding his actions from Norvia's perspective, just that that's how he is and everyone had to accept it.

With delightful characters, addressing issues relevant today to teenage girls, and telling an inspiring story about family and one's path, this story is perfect for young readers!

I wanted to like this book, but it was difficult to get into and I don't think my students would enjoy it.

For those of us who love the late Victorian and Edwardian novels of brave girls and their adventures, Anna Rose Johnson has taken the idea of having the heroine not an all-American or all-Canadian, Caucasian heroine, but a girl who is of Indigenous (Ojibwe) descent, whose mother is a divorce, and who has a stepfather.

And it does read as though one is reading and Anne of Green Gables, Norvia even names her new home North Star, because she likes the idea of being in a tale where the houses are named.
Norvia’s mother has remarried after their father leaves them, to a widower who has a young son, about Norvia’s age. She has been told to not let anyone know she has “Indian” ancestry.
But the worst prejudice comes from having a mother who divorced. That is how she is ostracized by her classmates, in the beginning.

I loved this book. THe author did get the language right, and the setting, which she did a lot of research on, and it shows. This is based on the life of her great grandmother. She even included photos of the real Norvia in the end of the book.

And like the classic books of the late 1800 and early 1900s, there are words of wisdom.
And some of the best advice is just given out like maple candy. Norvia realizes, about her life that “The time has come to boil life down, like sap; let go of the useless and make something sweet.”
Truly a delight. Makes me want to go back and reread all the classics such as Green Gables, and Little Women, that she honored in this book.


<em> Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. </em>

The Star That Always Stays is simply beautiful. Author Anna Rose Johnson has captured that delightful old-fashioned feel of Little Women and so many other classics in a fresh new way. Heartwarming, tear-jerking, and humorous by turns, Johnson's debut is sure to be an instant classic. The tale takes on difficult topics with grace (including racism and parental divorce) and weaves scriptural truths throughout the story in a very natural way.