Plot Summary

Second Star to the Right

Deborah Hautzig
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Second Star to the Right

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1989

Book Brief

Deborah Hautzig

Second Star to the Right

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

158

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York, America • 1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

590L

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Super Short Summary

Second Star to the Right by Deborah Hautzig follows fourteen-year-old Leslie Hiller who, after a bout of stomach flu, develops anorexia nervosa and struggles to recover amidst the concerns of her family and friends. Her perfectionist nature and desire to fit a certain image drive her deeper into the disorder, until professional help offers a glimmer of hope for her recovery. The book addresses eating disorders and their impact on mental and physical health.

Melancholic

Challenging

Emotional

Contemplative

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.1

2,371 ratings

60%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Second Star to the Right by Deborah Hautzig is lauded for its sensitive portrayal of anorexia and its impact on families. Readers appreciate the authentic voice of the protagonist, but some critique the narrative for a slow pace and lack of resolution. Despite this, the book is often recommended for its realistic depiction and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Second Star to the Right?

A reader who would enjoy Second Star to the Right by Deborah Hautzig is typically a young adult or adult interested in emotional, character-driven narratives. Fans of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath or Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, which explore themes of mental health and personal struggle, may find this book particularly compelling.

4.1

2,371 ratings

60%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

158

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York, America • 1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

590L

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