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A Shooting Star
Who says boys are the only ones allowed to have talents and use them? That's what Phoebe Anne Moses, or Annie, as she prefers to be called, would like to know. From the day Annie first picks up her father's rifle at age 8, it's clear she has a rather unusual gift. She is the sharpest shooter in the land. Her Quaker mother would rather Annie concentrate on more traditional activities like cooking and sewing. But Annie can't deny what's in her soul. It's only when she's out in the wilderness, alone with the quiet and the trees and the animals, that she truly feels alive. And Annie knows the game she shoots just may save her family from a life of poverty and despair.
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1996
3 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Solomon Klass
23 books6 followersSHEILA SOLOMON KLASS has been writing fiction for young adults for nearly five decades. Her books include The Uncivil War; Shooting Star: A Novel About Annie Oakley; and Little Women Next Door. Ms. Klass lives in New York City.
Ms. Klass passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.
Ms. Klass passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 27, 2013
“AIMING TRUE TO HERSELF AND HER DREAMS”
Overcoming gender bias and her mother’s stern Quaker attempts to make her act like a lady, young Annie Moses of rural Ohio achieved world recognition for her skills as sharpshooter by the age of 16. Born the 5th of 7 children into a struggling farm family Annie was sent to live at the Country Poorhouse at the age of 7. Jumping from the frying pan into the fire she eagerly accepted the opportunity to be a live-in girl servant (slave) for a vicious couple and their new baby. She acquired moderate schooling and excellent sewing skills, but she was always victimized by bullies. Her greatest secret comfort during these terrible years of trial was her Pa’s bag of bullets and the quiet friendship of shy Sally. After suffering several kinds of abuse from the family of Wolves, as she termed them, Annie escaped and gradually made her way back to her real home and mother--whose situation had greatly changed.
But Annie was born to greatness thanks to Pa’s beloved rifle and his careful lessons. She treasured and respected his instructions before he died when she was six. Ma despaired of keeping Annie indoors as a seamstress when the girl longed to roam free in the outdoors, providing the family with both food and money to pay the mortgage, plus other improvements. Even her strict mother realized that it was a sin to deny a God-given talent and Annie, she reluctantly admitted, surely had a Shooting gift. Although she never approved of it, Ma was always grateful for what her gun could provide. Despite the thorny path of her girlhood, Annie learned important lessons abut human nature—and the importance of Gratitude and the need for Forgiveness. A fast-paced, enjoyable read for girls of all ages.
(Aug. 4, 2010. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Overcoming gender bias and her mother’s stern Quaker attempts to make her act like a lady, young Annie Moses of rural Ohio achieved world recognition for her skills as sharpshooter by the age of 16. Born the 5th of 7 children into a struggling farm family Annie was sent to live at the Country Poorhouse at the age of 7. Jumping from the frying pan into the fire she eagerly accepted the opportunity to be a live-in girl servant (slave) for a vicious couple and their new baby. She acquired moderate schooling and excellent sewing skills, but she was always victimized by bullies. Her greatest secret comfort during these terrible years of trial was her Pa’s bag of bullets and the quiet friendship of shy Sally. After suffering several kinds of abuse from the family of Wolves, as she termed them, Annie escaped and gradually made her way back to her real home and mother--whose situation had greatly changed.
But Annie was born to greatness thanks to Pa’s beloved rifle and his careful lessons. She treasured and respected his instructions before he died when she was six. Ma despaired of keeping Annie indoors as a seamstress when the girl longed to roam free in the outdoors, providing the family with both food and money to pay the mortgage, plus other improvements. Even her strict mother realized that it was a sin to deny a God-given talent and Annie, she reluctantly admitted, surely had a Shooting gift. Although she never approved of it, Ma was always grateful for what her gun could provide. Despite the thorny path of her girlhood, Annie learned important lessons abut human nature—and the importance of Gratitude and the need for Forgiveness. A fast-paced, enjoyable read for girls of all ages.
(Aug. 4, 2010. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
October 19, 2022
This is a great historical fiction for kids based on the childhood of Annie Oakley, a sharp-shooter who uses her gifts to help her family and follow her dreams. At 16, she married Frank Butler, then both join Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
The story is fast-paced and full of adventure and courage. It's one I've read several times throughout my childhood and now my daughters love it too. It's a great reminder for girls that they can enjoy the outdoors, shoot skillfully, love their family, and still be girls!
The story is fast-paced and full of adventure and courage. It's one I've read several times throughout my childhood and now my daughters love it too. It's a great reminder for girls that they can enjoy the outdoors, shoot skillfully, love their family, and still be girls!
January 3, 2020
A childhood favorite. I always wanted to be the lady Annie befriended who had lemon drops in her purse to share.
January 16, 2019
A pretty good story about Annie Oakley, and a pretty good representation, too. One of the feel-good, below-my-reading-level books you read so you don't have to think much.
That being said, I think it's a great, great book for kids to read when they're on that level. The story was very well described, with a well-written, first person narrative.
That being said, I think it's a great, great book for kids to read when they're on that level. The story was very well described, with a well-written, first person narrative.
January 18, 2022
The story is based on the life of Annie Oakley. The major events of the book are true, but the author added some fictional characters. Overall, this is a great book for young people to read to learn about the life of Phoebe Anne Moses (Annie Oakley), the sharpest shooter in the land.
October 9, 2021
I enjoyed this children's historical novel about Annie Oakley. I would recommend it to kids in the 4th or 5th grade.
January 26, 2025
Beautiful story. It really transports you into that time. You can really see Annie Oakley. It’s just a beautiful story.
March 7, 2025
really good for preteens
July 16, 2014
gr 4-8 173 pgs
1860s/1870s, Ohio. After her father's death, Phoebe Anne Moses ("Annie Oakley") struggles to survive along with her mother and siblings. When Annie discovers she has a natural talent for shooting, her mother, while acknowledging her gift, insists that shooting is for men and that she should focus on sewing. When Annie is sent away because her mother can't afford to feed her, Annie is sent to work for a couple she nicknames Mr. and Mrs. Wolf because they treat her terribly. Annie is determined to find some way to escape and head for home...
Great story!
1860s/1870s, Ohio. After her father's death, Phoebe Anne Moses ("Annie Oakley") struggles to survive along with her mother and siblings. When Annie discovers she has a natural talent for shooting, her mother, while acknowledging her gift, insists that shooting is for men and that she should focus on sewing. When Annie is sent away because her mother can't afford to feed her, Annie is sent to work for a couple she nicknames Mr. and Mrs. Wolf because they treat her terribly. Annie is determined to find some way to escape and head for home...
Great story!
March 21, 2012
I picked this up for Rebekah because she is working on a Girl Scout Journey about women's roles. I thought that I would read it before passing it along to her.
I really enjoyed reading this account of Annie Oakley. It makes me realize how little I know of people I SHOULD know about! The book is well written and interesting. It is filled with information that the author claims is historically accurate.
I am starting to really love historical fiction!
I really enjoyed reading this account of Annie Oakley. It makes me realize how little I know of people I SHOULD know about! The book is well written and interesting. It is filled with information that the author claims is historically accurate.
I am starting to really love historical fiction!
July 22, 2010
This is a juvenile novel about the legendary Annie Oakley. It chronicles her childhood and early teen years from being born Phoebe Anne Moses to becoming Annie Oakley.
For full review, click on the link:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
For full review, click on the link:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
May 19, 2014
Join Annie on an unforgettable journey from her humble beginnings in Ohio to one of the sharpest shooters in the world. This book will delight girls with its positive message and real-life challenges but has plenty of guns and adventure to keep boys engaged too.
April 6, 2009
This book is a awesome book and shows girls can do boy sports too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2009
Just to shake up my memory, I read the story of Annie Oakley again, 50 years later..what a treat.
Want to read
October 13, 2009It sounds pretty good.
September 13, 2012
a solid children's book.
January 8, 2009
IT was an awesome book i recomend it to you guys!!!
January 16, 2009
Great book! Just what country gals like to read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews