54 pages • 1 hour read
Stella by Starlight
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Bumblebee, North Carolina • 1930s
2015
Middle grade
8-12 years
740L
Super Short Summary
Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper is a historical middle-grade novel set during the Great Depression in the segregated South, where 11-year-old Stella Mills confronts the pervasive racism of her rural North Carolina town. As the Ku Klux Klan grows more influential, Stella navigates school, family dynamics, and friendships, showing resilience and hope for a better future while aspiring to be a writer. Topics include racism, violence, and racial discrimination.
Inspirational
Emotional
Challenging
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
16,288 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper is praised for its compelling portrayal of racial tension and resilience in a segregated Southern town. Readers appreciate its strong, relatable heroine and historical authenticity. However, some find its pacing uneven. Overall, a heartfelt and educational read suitable for young and mature audiences alike.
Who Should Read Stella by Starlight?
Readers who enjoy Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor or Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis will be captivated by Stella by Starlight. This book appeals to young readers who appreciate historical fiction set during the Jim Crow era, featuring courageous young protagonists who confront societal injustices.
16,288 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Bumblebee, North Carolina • 1930s
2015
Middle grade
8-12 years
740L
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