A Galaxy of Sea Stars
by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo (Author)
Sometimes, the truth isn't easy to see. Sometimes, you have to look below the surface to find it.
Eleven-year-old Izzy feels as though her whole world is shifting, and she doesn't like it. She wants her dad to act like he did before he was deployed to Afghanistan. She wants her mom to live with them at the marina where they've moved instead of spending all her time on Block Island. Most of all, she wants Piper, Zelda, and herself--the Sea Stars--to stay best friends, as they start sixth grade in a new school.
Everything changes when Izzy's father invites his former interpreter's family, including eleven-year-old Sitara, to move into the marina's upstairs apartment. Izzy doesn't know what to make of Sitara--with her hijab and refusal to eat cafeteria food--and her presence disrupts the Sea Stars. But in Sitara Izzy finds someone brave, someone daring, someone who isn't as afraid as Izzy is to use her voice and speak up for herself. As Izzy and Sitara grow closer, Izzy must make a choice: stay in her comfort zone and risk betraying her new friend, or speak up and lose the Sea Stars forever.
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-7--Sixth grader Izzy's life is changing. Her family has moved from the cottage she grew up in to the marina, her dad has returned from a deployment to Afghanistan with injuries and post traumatic stress disorder, and her mom is spending the summer on Block Island helping with her family's restaurant. In addition, her dad has invited Dr. Haidary and his family, including Sitara who wears a hijab and goes to her school, to move into the apartment upstairs. Even though Dr. Haidary saved her dad's life in Afghanistan, Izzy is initially resistant to welcoming the family. At least she has Piper and Zelda, the other two members of the Sea Stars, who have been her best friends since kindergarten. But this year is different; as Izzy starts spending more time with Sitara, she sees the racism and bullying she faces at school, and starts to question her friendship with Piper and Zelda. Numerous issues are addressed including changing family and friend dynamics and bigotry, however Izzy learns to use her voice to speak up for herself and others. While the characters and setting (a quaint coastal town) are strong, the message of tolerance does not totally resonate as Izzy has to reveal past secrets in order for her classmates to embrace Sitara. VERDICT A solid choice for libraries where titles exploring xenophobia and immigrant experiences circulate well.--Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Praise for Ruby in the Sky:
"The stories of the main characters intertwine beautifully, each one demonstrating the self-trust that enables them to do the right thing and to forgive. Writing in Ruby's voice, Ferruolo creates an engaging plot peopled with complex characters that gracefully navigate many issues of our time, including women's rights, immigration, prejudice and diversity, and bullying." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Ferruolo's debut has a quietly magical feel, aided by passages describing Ruby's fascination with the moon. The faraway moon serves as a poignant theme throughout the book and connects satisfyingly to Abigail's backstory. The story also skillfully depicts everyday injustices and how those in power control the narrative unless ordinary people stand up against them." —Booklist, starred reviewJUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV039250 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emigration & Immigration
JUV013020 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Marriage & Divorce
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
Immigrants
United States
Schools
Family problems
Middle schools
Best friends
Muslims
Family crises
Afghans
Separated parents
