Star by Star Synopsis
Stella has always looked forward to changing the world. It's what she was brought up to do, by a suffragette mother who knew all about fighting and rebellion. But it's November 1918. The great flu pandemic sweeping the world has robbed Stella of her mother and her home, and she's alone in a strange country, with an aunt she's never met. But change is coming - the war is over, and women are about to vote for the first time. History is being made, but how can she help make it? As election day approaches, a day that will transform Ireland forever, Stella realises that she can indeed change the world. Not alone, and not all at once. But just as stars come one by one to brighten the night sky, so history is made person by person, girl by girl.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781910411537 |
| Publication date: |
26th October 2017 |
| Author: |
Sheena Wilkinson |
| Publisher: |
Little Island |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
180 pages |
| Suitable For: |
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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Sheena Wilkinson Press Reviews
`Stella is a deeply feminist heroine - confident, outspoken and kind. This is a book to educate both historically and emotionally. It has the assured tone of a classic, and is so good on what history, and neglected women's history, has to teach us.' - Deirdre Sullivan, author of Tangleweed and Brine
'I read this book in one heady gulp, captivated by its teenager narrator, Stella and her longing to be someone and do something important, something young teens will deeply relate to.' - The Irish Independent from their list of best children's books of 2017
`Stella is Wilkinson's most endearing heroine yet, and her narrative offers up an insightful look into the losses and traumas of the era, with pitch-perfect period details woven throughout.' - The Irish Times
'The novel gives a fascinating, sensitive, intelligent, even-handed insight into the historical period and the complexities facing many young women and families during the turbulent years directly after the War. However, it also covers many universal themes that every teenager can relate to today whether they have an understanding of war, politics and Northern Ireland's history or not. So many of the book's concerns, though particular to 1918, seem terribly applicable to 2017 and I was particularly struck by how contemporary this novel feels, which is surely a testament to Wilkinson's skills as a writer.' - The Bookbag
'Stella's a determined, but vulnerable, character who we immediately care for. She observes her time and place and self with insight and humour... Every secondary school library should have a copy of this book to help the next generation value the say they will come to have in how their country is run. And because its a very good story, well told.' - Pippa Goodhart
'An intelligent, informative, lively read' - Children's Books Ireland Reading Guide
'A brilliant and bold novel that, though not long, has quite an impact. Wilkinson gives a succinct and true portrait of the time. There is drama and struggle, but there is also humour and joy... An amazing book that will last long after it's been read and open up many doors of interest to its readers.' - Fallen Star Stories
'Marvellous... Another triumph from one of the best YA authors around!' - Emma Pass, award-winning YA author of ACID & The Fearless
About Sheena Wilkinson
Sheena Wilkinson is one of Ireland’s most acclaimed writers for young people. Since the publication of the multi-award-winning Taking Flight in 2010, she has published several novels, including Grounded, which won the 2013 Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year and Children's Choice awards.
Her first historical novel, Name upon Name, set during the 1916 Easter Rising, was chosen as Waterford City’s ‘One Community, One Book’ title in 2016. This was followed by Star by Star, set at the time of the momentous 1918 General Election, when women in Ireland voted for the first time. This won the 2018 Children’s Books Ireland Honour Award for Fiction and was selected as a BookTrust ‘Future Classic’.
Sheena Wilkinson lives in County Down, Northern Ireland, where she spends her time writing, singing, and walking in the forest thinking up more stories.
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