We Wait For The Stars

by Bridget Hamilton

When clouds roll in, wool-thick and grey,
and it's harder to breathe than before,
when we can't remember Dad's face
or how he sounded anymore,
we wait for the stars.

After losing her dad, Celeste's life feels like it's splintering. ​Then she makes a new friend in Katie, who shares her love of the beach, and meets Reuben, a fellow photographer. Maybe a new friendship group is just what she needs - as long as she keeps her growing attraction to Reuben out of the equation.​​ But Celeste soon finds that emotions can't be bottled up...

A stunning novel in verse, perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Elizabeth Acevedo, Dean Atta and Tia Fisher.

Paperback

Published July 2, 2026

About the author

Bridget Hamilton is a writer and creative practitioner originally from Kent but now based in Tyne and Wear. Her debut YA novel in verse, We Wait for the Stars, comes out in July 2026 and will be published by Little Tiger.

Reviews

[Kimberley Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend for teenagers experiencing grief.

I am grateful I didn't go through grief during my teenage years, but I am currently grieving them, and this book really helped me understand how my inner child feels in a way.

[Fraser's Fun House · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written verse novel offers an authentic exploration of grief from the perspective of 17year old Celeste who has unexpectedly lost her Father.

The author does a fantastic job of portraying different ways people grieve a loved one and the impact that can have on every aspect of your life as well as the feelings around ‘moving on’.

Being written in verse it is a relatively fast-paced read however its descriptive writing style lends itself to being a fully immersive and emotional read that is perfectly pitched for the YA target age group. As an adult reader I found this an equally emotional and powerful read that will without doubt be an impactful read for teens dealing with grief and loss themselves.

Being familiar with Newcastle and the North East I also really enjoyed the local landmarks and defences scattered throughout the book.

A fantastic and highly recommended read and an easy 5⭐️

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste is in 6th form and struggling with grief following the loss of her Dad. While learning to navigate her own feelings alongside new family dynamics, she finds hope in surprising new friendships.

This was the first novel I've read in verse and I can't believe how powerful it was. I felt connected to Celeste and her story, the structure of the poetry seemed to breathe and flow with her mood.

The story was emotional and vulnerable. It addressed life moving on with grief and how nothing is the same (but many things remain the same they just don't fit anymore).

Bridget carefully handled the reality of trying to remember a loved one in their imperfect existence. Rather than a picture perfect version who could suddenly solve all of life's problems, had they still been here.

Thank you @littletigerya for this arc copy

[Laura S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written book that explores grief and friendship and family.

Celeste and her family is grieving her father who passed away. This in verse novel follows Celeste as she manages 6th form in the aftermath of her dad passing away. This book explores how people are affected differently from grief but also how lonely it can be and the guilt you can feel from it. It’s quite emotional in places but you really get to know the main character. I loved how beautiful some of the writing was and read this so speedy. I loved the talk of the stars and beaches too.


Please note I can’t wait to see the final book as with the advanced copy the formatting made a few bits difficult to read/see.

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A YA free verse about grief and friendship during your teen years.
Celeste's dad has died and her and her family are trying to navigate him no longer being around. Her friendship aren't quite sure how to act and it causes friction. She meets new friends but a causes a bit of a love triangle.
This was a really lovely read. Celeste is trying her best, but doesn't realise that she is struggling.
The author does a great job of introducing a counsellor figure as well as great secondary characters that help her.
I think this is ideal for teens who are navigating grief and there is some very powerful and poignant moments within the poems.

[Emily Morley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows a family who are navigating grief and how they are all experiencing it differently. I highly recommend this book for teens who are either experiencing grief themselves, or may be supporting a friend who is.

Although this book covers difficult experiences, it approaches them gently yet with so much meaning. Celeste’s experience of grief develops throughout the book along with her relationships with friends and family, learning how they can all support each other.

Overall I recommend this book, especially if you enjoy books written in verse.

[Takealookinsideabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotional rollercoaster about loss, love and grief and written is such a beautiful and tender way.

I'm starting to read more books that are written in verse ever since I loved Hekate last year and its such a different way to portray a story.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous verse novel that deals with grief, self-discovery, mental illness, friendship, first love, and the multiple pitfalls and complications of being a teenager in a world that makes no sense and spins out of control when you least expect.

Gorgeous. Made me wish I lived by the sea far enough away from civilization that my telescope could pierce the light pollution.

[Rachel Pattinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! This verse novel is really accessible and explores life for a family after they lose their Dad, and how they find themselves. I really enjoyed all the North East references in the setting, and the star motif that permeates the book. A gorgeous debut from Bridget Hamilton.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very beautifully written in verse. The feeling of sadness and loss at the beginning is so touching. It features a very authentic voice for a heartbroken teenager.

[Sally Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly beautiful - everyone should read this book. 🤍✨

[Jen Nishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and heartbreaking novel in verse that expertly blends grief and mourning with the flutters of first love. Very authentic grief representation.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a lot to say about grief. Novel in verse

[Leyla Demirel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poem in verse exploring grief after someone loses her dad? Right up my street! But to me it was just: okay. I wanted more emotion and depth, as one would expect from a book with a central theme of grief.