Under the Same Stars

Adventures of Young Joseph Williams

by Dean Hughes

Under the Same Stars brings the story of the Latter-day Saints’ Missouri trials to life through the eyes of a young boy, Joseph Williams. His battle to understand his friends, his family, and his special mission in life is woven in a captivating work of historical fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds, Lds Fiction, Young Adult, Religion, Childrens

150 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2014

About the author

Dean Hughes is the author of more than eighty books for young readers, including the popular sports series Angel Park All-Stars, the Scrappers series, the Nutty series, the widely acclaimed companion novels Family Pose and Team Picture, and Search and Destroy. Soldier Boys was selected for the 2001 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list. Dean Hughes and his wife, Kathleen, have three children and six grandchildren. They live in Midway, Utah.

Reviews

[Iris Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the story of this family told from a young boy’s point of view. Helped me understand the perceptions of the “old settlers” of Missouri and that part that fear, rumors and envy played.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby Read this when it first came out. Good book on Pioneers in Independence.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

just a bit too young, started really slow, ending was great

[Savanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Same Stars is about an eleven-year-old Mormon boy named Joseph who moves to Missouri because Joseph Smith has called the Saints there. His father is determined to do what the Prophet says but his mother is not so devoted. Joseph actually talks to Joseph Smith and the Prophet tells Joseph that he needs to keep himself worthy because he has been called of God for a special mission. Little Joseph doesn't want to be called of God; he thinks that Matthew (his older brother) is who the Lord should have chosen. Soon Joseph begins to hear some things, little things, about murmuring members and hateful Old Timers. This are beginning to get out of hand but what is a little boy supposed to do about a thing like that?

This book is great. It is realistic and interesting. Even the language used by the characters seemed realistic. I like who Joseph makes mistakes that any boy his age might make, and that his family wasn't perfect. It reminded me that even though we aren't perfect, we can still do our best and make things better. To me this is a story of hope.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph and Matthew are moving with their family from New York state to Missouri, leaving behind a comfortable home and a successful business. The reason for their departure, is because their family are all members of the "Mormon" church, and they are headed out to establish Zion. Excited for adventure, but unsure of this new place, Joseph has doubts as to why he is even there.

Joseph's doubts increase as the local Missourians, feeling threatened by the number of church members who have moved there, start to persecute them. Things escalate until it seems like the locals may just kill them to get them out, and Joseph may just be called upon to do more than he ever thought possible to save his family from the angry mobs.

A good read, and I remember loving it when I was a little girl. I read it with my 9year old son, and although there were a few parts that were a little dry, he really enjoyed it.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby. I read this book many years ago. Pioneer in Independence Missouri. So sad what they had to go through. Trials to be learned

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that kind of dragged a little. I didnt have very much time to read it.

[Braedon]

Very sad. They had a lot of faith.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed story about a boy in the Mormon migration to Missouri before they were driven out by bigoted locals.

[John Glass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this along time ago to the kids as a bedtime story.