56 pages • 1 hour read
Starry River of the Sky
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Ancient China • Timeless
2012
Middle grade
8-12 years
810L
Super Short Summary
Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin follows Rendi, a boy who runs away from his wealthy family and finds himself in a small, troubled village where he takes the place of the innkeeper’s missing son. As he meets various characters, including the mysterious Madam Chang, and listens to stories rooted in Chinese folklore, Rendi embarks on an emotional journey, learning lessons about anger, forgiveness, and the importance of family.
Fantastical
Emotional
Mysterious
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
10,377 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Grace Lin's Starry River of the Sky enchants with its rich folklore and vibrant illustrations, captivating readers through engaging storytelling and cultural depth. The narrative's interwoven tales and mythology offer imaginative allure, though some found the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking journey ideal for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read Starry River of the Sky?
Readers who enjoy Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin are typically middle-grade students who appreciate richly woven folklore and mythological tales. Fans of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon or Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux will find this book enchanting, thanks to its vibrant storytelling and cultural depth.
10,377 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Madam Chang
Madam Chang
An enigmatic and gracefully ethereal woman who tells intertwining stories with roots in mythology and folk tales, offering wisdom to those around her.
Peiyi
Peiyi
A young and brave innkeeper’s daughter who grapples with feelings of abandonment, forming a crucial friendship with Rendi.
Mr. Shan
Mr. Shan
A wise and ancient spirit whose presence is integral to the story's connection to nature, overcoming past grievances to restore balance.
Rendi’s Father
Rendi’s Father
A powerful magistrate whose stern and harsh nature drives Rendi to leave home, prompting his son’s journey.
Peiyi’s Father
Peiyi’s Father
A steadfast innkeeper embroiled in a long-standing family feud, illustrating the impact of grudges on community relationships and personal growth.
320
Novel • Fiction
Ancient China • Timeless
2012
Middle grade
8-12 years
810L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.