Plot Summary

The Silver Star

Jeannette Walls
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The Silver Star

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013

Book Brief

Jeannette Walls

The Silver Star

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1970s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls tells the story of twelve-year-old Bean and her fifteen-year-old sister Liz as they navigate life in 1970s California after their erratic mother, Charlotte, leaves them to pursue her own interests. The sisters journey to their mother's hometown, Byler, to live with their eccentric Uncle Tinsley. While Bean takes to the new environment, Liz struggles more, especially with their mother's unstable behavior. Bean’s narration provides a vivid depiction of their attempts to adapt and survive in a chaotic family dynamic marked by frequent upheaval. The novel addresses themes of childhood struggle and resilience.

Challenging

Emotional

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jeannette Walls' The Silver Star has been praised for its compelling narrative and strong character development. Critics highlight the author's skillful portrayal of the struggles faced by two sisters in a turbulent family environment. However, some reviews note that the plot may feel predictable at times. Overall, it’s a heartfelt story with resonant themes of resilience and family bonds.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Silver Star?

A reader who would enjoy The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls typically appreciates coming-of-age stories with strong familial themes and resilient young protagonists. Fans of The Glass Castle by Walls or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will find similar emotional depth and compelling narratives in this novel.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1970s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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