A Handful of Stars

A Handful of Stars (2015) is a middle grade novel by Newbery Medal winner Cynthia Lord. The novel follows Lily, a young girl living in Maine, who befriends Salma, a migrant currently working with her parents during the blueberry harvest. As their friendship grows, Lily learns about Salma’s life and the challenges faced by migrant families. Together, they embark on a mission to help Lily’s blind dog, Lucky, by entering a local competition to raise money for his surgery.

This guide is based on the 2015 Scholastic Press Kindle e-book edition.

Plot Summary

Twelve-year-old Lily forms a friendship with Salma, a migrant worker, after Lily’s dog, Lucky, runs away into the blueberry farm where Salma works. Prompted by her grandmother Mémère, Lily gifts Salma a pork pie in gratitude. Despite initial awkwardness, the gesture is appreciated, marking the beginning of their budding friendship.

Living with her grandparents, Lily spends most of her time during the summer helping at the store below their house. She paints mason bee houses her grandfather Pépère makes in the hopes of earning money for Lucky’s cataract surgery.

After the incident with Lucky, Salma visits the store one day and joins Lily in painting bee houses. They exchange stories about Salma’s lost dog, Luna.