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Star in the Storm
A RISKY SECRET...All non-sheepherding dogs have been outlawed from the rocky coastal village where Maggie lives. Unwilling to give up her beloved Newfoundland, Sirius, Maggie defies the law and hides Sirius away.
But when a steamer crashes into the rocks during a violent storm and starts to sink with a hundred passengers on board, Maggie faces a difficult choice. She knows Sirius can help rescue the people trapped on the ship, but bringing him out of hiding would put his own life in jeopardy. Is Maggie's brave dog a big enough hero to save the desperate passengers -- and himself?
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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783 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 29, 2021
Joan Hiatt Harlow's mother was a Newfoundlander, and young Joan grew up hearing stories about Newfoundland dogs who saved small children on boats, helped fishermen, and performed other heroic feats in the water.
Naturally, when Ms. Harlow sat down to write, these famous dogs of her mother's childhood spilled their black fur all over those white pages.
Yeah, like any dog lovers are going to be able to resist this middle grades story. . .
If The Shipping News hadn't already inspired me to take a field trip to Newfoundland some day, this story would have done the trick. It's a quirky little book, but well-written, and the hero's a dog. What more do you need to know?
Oh—perhaps some of the local lingo?
switchel: a drink made of water, vinegar, and a sweet substance such as molasses or maple syrup, often with spices or other flavoring
scrimshank: one who shirks their responsibilities
“in a clobber”: shabby and untidy
tuckamore: a low clump of trees
calabogus: a mixed drink containing rum, spruce beer, and molasses
mundle: A stick or similar wooden utensil (often with one flat end) used for stirring
Too fun! If you have any recommendations for other great stories set in Newfoundland, send them to me, please!
Naturally, when Ms. Harlow sat down to write, these famous dogs of her mother's childhood spilled their black fur all over those white pages.
Yeah, like any dog lovers are going to be able to resist this middle grades story. . .
If The Shipping News hadn't already inspired me to take a field trip to Newfoundland some day, this story would have done the trick. It's a quirky little book, but well-written, and the hero's a dog. What more do you need to know?
Oh—perhaps some of the local lingo?
switchel: a drink made of water, vinegar, and a sweet substance such as molasses or maple syrup, often with spices or other flavoring
scrimshank: one who shirks their responsibilities
“in a clobber”: shabby and untidy
tuckamore: a low clump of trees
calabogus: a mixed drink containing rum, spruce beer, and molasses
mundle: A stick or similar wooden utensil (often with one flat end) used for stirring
Too fun! If you have any recommendations for other great stories set in Newfoundland, send them to me, please!
July 22, 2025
4 stars. This book was recommended to me about a decade ago and I FINALLY got my hands on a copy! It was very exciting to read a book set in Canada, of course. I really enjoyed the little fishing town and all the snippets of history/info about 1912 Newfoundland.
I didn't get very invested in the characters, or in the plot, because there was just way too much happening—shipwrecks, threats to shoot the family dog, storms, lethal fever, lack of water... It began to feel a bit exaggerated. I also wasn't a huge fan of the writing. But there were two things that I really enjoyed:
1. There was actually a lot of spirituality?! The MC wasn't super religious, though she prayed and quoted the bible several times, but her parents really exhibited a lot of Christian behaviour, specifically kindness and selfless love to their enemies. They hardly ever said an unkind word against a single neighbour, and pointed their daughter to God several times. I would't call it a Christian book per se, but it was certainly moral, and I was pleasantly surprised.
2. Most Juvenile Fiction/Middle Grades featured the children lying and sneaking about more or less, since evidently no parent worth their salt would allow their kids to get themselves in the situations they must for such books. But in this story, I was really impressed by the MC's relationship with her parents. She half-lied once, and confessed the truth shortly after; her parents knew what she was about and fully supported her; she was obedient... It was a refreshing difference.
Overall, I think I'd have enjoyed this book a lot more as a kid, but it was still a worthwhile read now.
Content: a few mentions of a girl being a witch (which dies away); a minor side character is drunkard but is reformed; several mentions of superstitions & bad luck (mostly dismissed); a couple mentions of how boring church is because of the minister—the MC skips the service twice and the minister is shrugged off by the community on his only speaking appearance (which is annoyingly self-righteous).
I didn't get very invested in the characters, or in the plot, because there was just way too much happening—shipwrecks, threats to shoot the family dog, storms, lethal fever, lack of water... It began to feel a bit exaggerated. I also wasn't a huge fan of the writing. But there were two things that I really enjoyed:
1. There was actually a lot of spirituality?! The MC wasn't super religious, though she prayed and quoted the bible several times, but her parents really exhibited a lot of Christian behaviour, specifically kindness and selfless love to their enemies. They hardly ever said an unkind word against a single neighbour, and pointed their daughter to God several times. I would't call it a Christian book per se, but it was certainly moral, and I was pleasantly surprised.
2. Most Juvenile Fiction/Middle Grades featured the children lying and sneaking about more or less, since evidently no parent worth their salt would allow their kids to get themselves in the situations they must for such books. But in this story, I was really impressed by the MC's relationship with her parents. She half-lied once, and confessed the truth shortly after; her parents knew what she was about and fully supported her; she was obedient... It was a refreshing difference.
Overall, I think I'd have enjoyed this book a lot more as a kid, but it was still a worthwhile read now.
Content: a few mentions of a girl being a witch (which dies away); a minor side character is drunkard but is reformed; several mentions of superstitions & bad luck (mostly dismissed); a couple mentions of how boring church is because of the minister—the MC skips the service twice and the minister is shrugged off by the community on his only speaking appearance (which is annoyingly self-righteous).
June 15, 2022
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story even if most of the time it felt modern with sprinkles of historical. I liked Sirius and Maggie. It was interesting to read about Newfoundland as that’s not a place many stories are set.
I liked that there were prayers and going to church, and trusting God. I didn’t really care for all the superstition and Maggie and her cousin saying someone was a witch, but most of that was shown as foolishness.
I really enjoyed this story even if most of the time it felt modern with sprinkles of historical. I liked Sirius and Maggie. It was interesting to read about Newfoundland as that’s not a place many stories are set.
I liked that there were prayers and going to church, and trusting God. I didn’t really care for all the superstition and Maggie and her cousin saying someone was a witch, but most of that was shown as foolishness.
September 4, 2021
Have to agree with my first thoughts. While the last act turnaround is a little unbelievable, it's not enough to knock the rating down for me.
First review
This was good. In fact, it was so perfectly fine that I don't even have any complaints, outside of wondering what Vera getting sick had to do with the rest of the plot - and even that is a minor thing. It's a cute dog and a nice story.
First review
This was good. In fact, it was so perfectly fine that I don't even have any complaints, outside of wondering what Vera getting sick had to do with the rest of the plot - and even that is a minor thing. It's a cute dog and a nice story.
October 3, 2018
This was good. In fact, it was so perfectly fine that I don't even have any complaints, outside of wondering what Vera getting sick had to do with the rest of the plot - and even that is a minor thing. It's a cute dog and a nice story.
January 27, 2024
I love Newfoundland dogs and have owned two in the past. One book I loved was The New Complete Newfoundland by Margaret Booth Chern which has a lot of history on the breed and dogs. In that book are some stories of where newfoundland dogs had saved hundreds of people when ships were floundering and a Newfie swam through heavy surf to take a line from the ship to shore so a lifeline can be rigged. Star in a Storm is historical fiction based on dogs that saved people’s lives in that way.
The story is good and what makes the writing interesting is that it is filled with superstitions and terms accurate for the time (shortly after the Titanic had sunk.) The book opens with one:
A flock OF HUGE BLACK BIRDS SOARED, GATHERED, then landed one after another in the trees near Maggie. She paused in her walk up the hill, blocked her eyes against the spring sun, and counted.
“One for sadness, two for mirth,” Maggie quoted the old rhyme about crows and ravens her mother had taught her. “Three for marriage, four for birth; five for laughing, six for crying; seven for sickness, eight for dying; nine for silver, ten for gold; eleven for a secret that will never be told’
"A secret,” she whispered to the black Newfoundland dog by her side. She smiled as she thought of her father's warnings about pishogues —superstitious foolishness. “Everyone in Bonnie Bay has a secret, I'll wager-”
Several times in the book the young girl Maggie is looking for meaning based on that sighting of the number of crows she sees.
In the book there is conflict between Maggie’ s family the wealthy family. Non-shepherding dogs are outlawed. (I seemed to remember a point in history when stray Newfoundland dogs were rounded up.) When a ship is floundering, should Maggie take the dog from hiding to help?
What I particularly liked before the dog being outlawed part, was a glimpse of a time when dogs were still somewhat free, and automobiles didn’t make it a death trap for any dog freed from indoors. All of what they used to do with Newfies is at least mentioned. So definitely a good dog story, and more so if you are a fan of the breed. And who doesn’t love a happy ending.
(Imagine a storm raging, fear of losing your dog to the surf, and loved ones on the floundering ship for this excerpt:)
Maggie drew away from Ma and walked to the edge of the water. “Sirius!” she called through her cupped hands. “Come to me, boy. Bring me the rope.” Maggie searched for her dog's black form.
“Sirius!” The wind carried her cries out onto the foaming water “Please come to me, boy,” she begged. “Come on, Sirius Come, boy!”
Suddenly, out of the rising breakers, a form rose and fell with the waves.
Then there was Sirius staggering on the slippery rocks. With the rope clenched tightly in his teeth, he was heading straight for Maggie.
Maggie dashed into the cold surf and grabbed the line. She and Sirius stumbled to shore, where the fishermen took the rope, connected it to the pulleys, and began the rescue.
The story is good and what makes the writing interesting is that it is filled with superstitions and terms accurate for the time (shortly after the Titanic had sunk.) The book opens with one:
A flock OF HUGE BLACK BIRDS SOARED, GATHERED, then landed one after another in the trees near Maggie. She paused in her walk up the hill, blocked her eyes against the spring sun, and counted.
“One for sadness, two for mirth,” Maggie quoted the old rhyme about crows and ravens her mother had taught her. “Three for marriage, four for birth; five for laughing, six for crying; seven for sickness, eight for dying; nine for silver, ten for gold; eleven for a secret that will never be told’
"A secret,” she whispered to the black Newfoundland dog by her side. She smiled as she thought of her father's warnings about pishogues —superstitious foolishness. “Everyone in Bonnie Bay has a secret, I'll wager-”
Several times in the book the young girl Maggie is looking for meaning based on that sighting of the number of crows she sees.
In the book there is conflict between Maggie’ s family the wealthy family. Non-shepherding dogs are outlawed. (I seemed to remember a point in history when stray Newfoundland dogs were rounded up.) When a ship is floundering, should Maggie take the dog from hiding to help?
What I particularly liked before the dog being outlawed part, was a glimpse of a time when dogs were still somewhat free, and automobiles didn’t make it a death trap for any dog freed from indoors. All of what they used to do with Newfies is at least mentioned. So definitely a good dog story, and more so if you are a fan of the breed. And who doesn’t love a happy ending.
(Imagine a storm raging, fear of losing your dog to the surf, and loved ones on the floundering ship for this excerpt:)
Maggie drew away from Ma and walked to the edge of the water. “Sirius!” she called through her cupped hands. “Come to me, boy. Bring me the rope.” Maggie searched for her dog's black form.
“Sirius!” The wind carried her cries out onto the foaming water “Please come to me, boy,” she begged. “Come on, Sirius Come, boy!”
Suddenly, out of the rising breakers, a form rose and fell with the waves.
Then there was Sirius staggering on the slippery rocks. With the rope clenched tightly in his teeth, he was heading straight for Maggie.
Maggie dashed into the cold surf and grabbed the line. She and Sirius stumbled to shore, where the fishermen took the rope, connected it to the pulleys, and began the rescue.
March 24, 2023
2.5! Sirius and Maggie were both adorable but I definitely cringed and rolled my eyes a bunch reading this one.
September 24, 2007
Great story about a stray Newfoundland dog who finds a home and a job rescuing shipwreck survivors in early 1900s Newfoundland.
June 26, 2023
Based on a true story involving the author's mother, Star in the Storm is the story of a Newfoundland dog named Sirius whose bravery saved a hundred people from a sinking ship. Some folks on the island were sheepherders and wild dogs had been scaring the sheep. Because Sirius was the only dog they could find, they tried first to kill him, and then when Maggie kept him hidden, they passed a law against dogs on the island. But the night of the terrible storm, Sirius proved that he was a hero.
April 3, 2022
A fine little book about Newfoundlands. A little GreenGablesy but a quick read for a car ride.
October 4, 2021
Lovely story where good prevails over evil. I appreciated the faith aspect of the characters and especially the young girl who seeks the Lord during trouble and then gives thanks.
October 2, 2020
Heartwarming dog story for children or anyone.
July 2, 2017
Read Aloud 6 yrs +
Reader 8 yrs +
Worldview - Christian
Setting:
Location - Newfoundland
Time Period - 1912
Review
A wholesome and heartwarming story about a young girl who loves her Newfoundland dog, Sirius more than anything. When a law is passed banning all dogs except sheep dogs she must find a way to save Sirius.
The struggles of Newfoundland fishing families are well presented. The men of the community work for a neighbor who owns his own fishing boat. He holds back more than his fair share of the catch, becoming wealthy, while the others struggle to get by. Together a number of the men work toward creating their own fishing operation so that they will be free from his grasp.
Illness, danger and a shipwreck are all part of the excitement of this fast moving novel. As the author’s first novel, this one is not as well developed as some of her later work, but it is perfectly suited to a student ready for a slightly more challenging novel, but still needing a book that is not too long and with manageable chapter length. The use of dialect in the dialogue is much lighter than later books written by this author and should be manageable for most mid-level readers.
The book touches on a vast array of details specific to the region, including dialect, diet, folklore, history and environment.
Teacher Application
This would be a nice book to introduce Newfoundland to students, although as a read aloud Thunder from the Sea by the same author is more engaging, but certainly a higher reading level.
Any child who will read only dog books would love this one. This would also be a great choice for a reluctant reader who loves dogs. Sirius will win each reader’s heart as he rescues the shipwreck victims near the end of the book.
A wonderful book well suited to a young advanced reader. Highly wholesome, the book does include several prayers and scriptures throughout. The Christian message in this book comes through a little more strongly than the author’s later books.
There is a thorough author’s note at the back of the book that explains what is fact and which details are fiction. There is also a map of Newfoundland at the front of the book.
Character Traits Taught
Forgiveness
Doing what is right even when it is difficult.
Do something constructive to solve a problem, don’t just badmouth those you feel are causing the problem.
Parental Warning
Language “Oh, God” p. 36
Reader 8 yrs +
Worldview - Christian
Setting:
Location - Newfoundland
Time Period - 1912
Review
A wholesome and heartwarming story about a young girl who loves her Newfoundland dog, Sirius more than anything. When a law is passed banning all dogs except sheep dogs she must find a way to save Sirius.
The struggles of Newfoundland fishing families are well presented. The men of the community work for a neighbor who owns his own fishing boat. He holds back more than his fair share of the catch, becoming wealthy, while the others struggle to get by. Together a number of the men work toward creating their own fishing operation so that they will be free from his grasp.
Illness, danger and a shipwreck are all part of the excitement of this fast moving novel. As the author’s first novel, this one is not as well developed as some of her later work, but it is perfectly suited to a student ready for a slightly more challenging novel, but still needing a book that is not too long and with manageable chapter length. The use of dialect in the dialogue is much lighter than later books written by this author and should be manageable for most mid-level readers.
The book touches on a vast array of details specific to the region, including dialect, diet, folklore, history and environment.
Teacher Application
This would be a nice book to introduce Newfoundland to students, although as a read aloud Thunder from the Sea by the same author is more engaging, but certainly a higher reading level.
Any child who will read only dog books would love this one. This would also be a great choice for a reluctant reader who loves dogs. Sirius will win each reader’s heart as he rescues the shipwreck victims near the end of the book.
A wonderful book well suited to a young advanced reader. Highly wholesome, the book does include several prayers and scriptures throughout. The Christian message in this book comes through a little more strongly than the author’s later books.
There is a thorough author’s note at the back of the book that explains what is fact and which details are fiction. There is also a map of Newfoundland at the front of the book.
Character Traits Taught
Forgiveness
Doing what is right even when it is difficult.
Do something constructive to solve a problem, don’t just badmouth those you feel are causing the problem.
Parental Warning
Language “Oh, God” p. 36
January 7, 2015
A young girl named Maggie with her Newfoundland dog, Sirius, lives at Bonnie Bay in Newfoundland. The story took place on 1912. Sirius was named after the brightest star in the sky, which is the constellation of the Great Dog. He hauls firewood across the frozen bay to keep his family warm during the winter months. Also, he saved Maggie when she was stranded near an iceberg. Sirius is a very intelligent, protective, and loving dog. At that time, there was a law passed by their neighbors, the Rands, to say that dog families can only own sheepherding dogs because the Rands highly dislikes dogs and blames Sirius for killing one of his sheep. Obviously, Sirius was not a sheepherding dog though Maggie would do whatever it takes to keep her smart and loyal dog. All of a sudden, a horrible storm came through. When a steamer crashes into the rocks during the violent storm, it starts to sink with a hundred passengers on board. Maggie had to make a difficult decision. Sirius can assist in the rescue on board, though it would bring him out of hiding, risking his life. The conflict of the story begins with when Sirius was blamed for killing one of the Rand’s sheep. There was a law to ban all non-sheepherding dogs. It puts Sirius’s life in danger, and Maggie will never leave his side. When the steamer crashes, Maggie has the choice to put Sirius out of hiding to help save the passengers, and prove to the village that he has a purpose also. Therefore, it could lead them to let him stay with his family in peace. If I could rate this book, I would rate it with five stars. For one, it is based off of true stories about Newfoundland dogs. It warms the heart to read it, and it shows true friendship of dog and person. It is a short book and the reading level is meant for younger kids though it is also pleasant to read for adults. The setting the author depicts is wonderful, and it takes you to a different world. Personally, the reason why I read the book was because of the Newfoundland because I have one of my own. While I read the book, I couldn’t stop. The book kept you on your toes as you watch the story play out. The imagery is amazing and it feels like you are no longer reading the book, you’re in it. All in all, the connections I have to the book, the imagery, and the heartwarming story was enthralling and I highly recommend it.
October 15, 2021
Star in the Storm - Choice Book #2 Quarter 2 - Book Analysis
Star in the Storm - an adventure book written by Joan Hiatt Harlow
SPOILERS!
Setting - Star in the Storm takes place in the small town of Bonnie Bay located on the island of Newfoundland. Maggie spends most of her time at home or down at the harbor.
Main character -
Maggie Wells is the protagonist. She is a twelve-year-old girl who really cares for the people around her and is very protective of her dog. Maggie is Christian and she is very loyal to God. Maggie wants to move to Boston when she is an adult and she wants to start a career as a nurse. Maggie loves helping people and she is a very good and honest person. She is a great and inspirational main character, when she is older she would be a person that people would look up to because she fights through rough times and never gives up. She dislikes it when people are not honest and it really irritates her.
Minor characters -
Vera:
Vera is Maggie’s younger cousin she is only one year younger than Maggie though. Vera is very curious and likes to be a part of whatever Maggie is doing. Vera and Maggie are very close and they promised that when Maggie moved to Boston they would go together.
Howard Rand:
Howard Rand is the antagonist of this story. He is the richest man in Bonnie Bay. He has several boats and almost all of the men in the village work for him on his boats. He is known to be unfair with the fish catchings and does not pay his men enough, but since he is the wealthiest man in the village most people consider it a privilege to work for him.
The main conflict -
The main conflict is the shepherding law, the only dogs that live in Bonnie Bay can be shepherding dogs. If they aren’t they’ll be tracked down and shot. This law affects the whole village because Sirius helps catch food and had only ever been a helpful dog that has assisted the whole village. Howard Rand is out to catch Sirius and to make sure that Sirius won’t come back. Towards the end of the book, the steamer is more of the conflict but throughout the book, the shepherding law is the main problem.
How the book ends -
In the middle of the book Vera ends up getting very sick and she cannot get out of bed for days. They find out that she became sick because of the well water. Maggie paddles out to the iceberg to cut off a slab of ice for Vera since the melted ice from the iceberg is the freshest, crispest water in the whole village. The waves end up getting huge and Maggie almost drowns but Sirius jumps into the water and saves her. Maggie still ends up getting the ice and Vera gets better after that. Then Maggie finds out that Howard Rand got the shepherding law enforced and she quickly goes to hide Sirius in the secret cave that she and Vera would go to. When Maggie gets back Sirius is gone, but she soon finds him and he leads her to a brook with fresh crystal clear water from the mountains. Then Marcus Kelly finds her and Sirius and takes her home. He’s drunk and Maggie’s father talks with Marcus and Marcus comes back with swollen eyes indicating that he had been crying though it was never explained why. Maggie tells her father about the brook and leads her to it and her father gets very happy and says that they can pipe the water to the houses in Bonnie Bay and they’ll have much fresher water than the well-water. And people won’t get sick from the water anymore. Maggie’s father then tells her that they’re buying a boat from some folks on the other end of the island. Maggie’s father and Marcus Kelly leave to pick up the boat the next day and Maggie and her mother soon get the news that there will be a big storm that will be coming by Bonnie Bay when they’re coming back from getting the boat. They also get the news that Howard Rand’s daughter is coming on a steamer with her new son Benjamin and they’ll be arriving around the same time that Maggie’s father and Marcus will be. Tamar informs Maggie that everyone is getting invited to the coming home party except Maggie’s family. Maggie’s father comes around a few days later and they get there before the storm hits, the steamer however is not so lucky. It gets turned over in the fierce waves and starts to sink. Maggie gets Sirius and has him pull a cable over to the ship; they secure a chair onto it and send it over to the ship. Slowly, one by one people make it safely across the waters. Maggie eventually falls asleep and she wakes up at home, she later learns that it was Howard Rand who transported her back. Howard Rand soon apologizes and says thanks to Maggie and Sirius. He makes amends in the end. Tamar also gives her new lamb to Maggie so that Sirius can be a shepherding dog and so he’ll be able to legally live withMaggie again.
My Opinions -
Did I enjoy it? - This was not my favorite book but I did enjoy seeing what happened at the end and how strong Sirius was when he saved all of those people.
What was my favorite part of the book? -
I really loved the part where Howard Rand made amends to the Wells family because it was good to see the goodness in him come to the surface after he had remained cold for such a long time.
Did the book engage my emotions? -
Yes, I was always very excited when Sirius would do some heroic action and I was always nervous for Vera and happy that everyone got out of the steamer safely.
Did the book feel complete or did it feel as though key elements were left out? -
This was the author’s first book and a few elements were missing. Sometimes the dialogue felt forced or very planned out and sometimes it felt like there were too many lucky moments but overall I thought that it had all of the elements you need to have a fascinating book.
How does the book compare to others I’ve read? -
I haven’t read too many adventure books but originally dog stories usually aren’t my go-to book. I don’t think this book compares to many others that I’ve read but I still enjoyed it.
Would I have done anything differently if I were the author? -
I would have made it so there weren’t as many lucky saves because each time Maggie would get into trouble they would quickly weave their way out of it faster than a regular person would have. I also would have made it so that we were able to look more behind into Maggie and Annie Kelly’s old friendship. Another thing I would change is that I knew what Maggie’s father said to make Marcus cry!
In conclusion, I think that this book was very interesting if you enjoy adventure books and heartwarming stories about dogs. I thought that it was a good book and it held my interest but it is definitely not one of the best I’ve read and it will not make my favorites. I did enjoy this book and I was excited to pick it back up. There isn’t a ton of interesting action at the beginning or at least they didn’t catch my attention but towards the end is where most of the important action happens. I definitely liked this book and I would recommend it.
(I don't know how to underline the title.)
Star in the Storm - an adventure book written by Joan Hiatt Harlow
SPOILERS!
Setting - Star in the Storm takes place in the small town of Bonnie Bay located on the island of Newfoundland. Maggie spends most of her time at home or down at the harbor.
Main character -
Maggie Wells is the protagonist. She is a twelve-year-old girl who really cares for the people around her and is very protective of her dog. Maggie is Christian and she is very loyal to God. Maggie wants to move to Boston when she is an adult and she wants to start a career as a nurse. Maggie loves helping people and she is a very good and honest person. She is a great and inspirational main character, when she is older she would be a person that people would look up to because she fights through rough times and never gives up. She dislikes it when people are not honest and it really irritates her.
Minor characters -
Vera:
Vera is Maggie’s younger cousin she is only one year younger than Maggie though. Vera is very curious and likes to be a part of whatever Maggie is doing. Vera and Maggie are very close and they promised that when Maggie moved to Boston they would go together.
Howard Rand:
Howard Rand is the antagonist of this story. He is the richest man in Bonnie Bay. He has several boats and almost all of the men in the village work for him on his boats. He is known to be unfair with the fish catchings and does not pay his men enough, but since he is the wealthiest man in the village most people consider it a privilege to work for him.
The main conflict -
The main conflict is the shepherding law, the only dogs that live in Bonnie Bay can be shepherding dogs. If they aren’t they’ll be tracked down and shot. This law affects the whole village because Sirius helps catch food and had only ever been a helpful dog that has assisted the whole village. Howard Rand is out to catch Sirius and to make sure that Sirius won’t come back. Towards the end of the book, the steamer is more of the conflict but throughout the book, the shepherding law is the main problem.
How the book ends -
In the middle of the book Vera ends up getting very sick and she cannot get out of bed for days. They find out that she became sick because of the well water. Maggie paddles out to the iceberg to cut off a slab of ice for Vera since the melted ice from the iceberg is the freshest, crispest water in the whole village. The waves end up getting huge and Maggie almost drowns but Sirius jumps into the water and saves her. Maggie still ends up getting the ice and Vera gets better after that. Then Maggie finds out that Howard Rand got the shepherding law enforced and she quickly goes to hide Sirius in the secret cave that she and Vera would go to. When Maggie gets back Sirius is gone, but she soon finds him and he leads her to a brook with fresh crystal clear water from the mountains. Then Marcus Kelly finds her and Sirius and takes her home. He’s drunk and Maggie’s father talks with Marcus and Marcus comes back with swollen eyes indicating that he had been crying though it was never explained why. Maggie tells her father about the brook and leads her to it and her father gets very happy and says that they can pipe the water to the houses in Bonnie Bay and they’ll have much fresher water than the well-water. And people won’t get sick from the water anymore. Maggie’s father then tells her that they’re buying a boat from some folks on the other end of the island. Maggie’s father and Marcus Kelly leave to pick up the boat the next day and Maggie and her mother soon get the news that there will be a big storm that will be coming by Bonnie Bay when they’re coming back from getting the boat. They also get the news that Howard Rand’s daughter is coming on a steamer with her new son Benjamin and they’ll be arriving around the same time that Maggie’s father and Marcus will be. Tamar informs Maggie that everyone is getting invited to the coming home party except Maggie’s family. Maggie’s father comes around a few days later and they get there before the storm hits, the steamer however is not so lucky. It gets turned over in the fierce waves and starts to sink. Maggie gets Sirius and has him pull a cable over to the ship; they secure a chair onto it and send it over to the ship. Slowly, one by one people make it safely across the waters. Maggie eventually falls asleep and she wakes up at home, she later learns that it was Howard Rand who transported her back. Howard Rand soon apologizes and says thanks to Maggie and Sirius. He makes amends in the end. Tamar also gives her new lamb to Maggie so that Sirius can be a shepherding dog and so he’ll be able to legally live withMaggie again.
My Opinions -
Did I enjoy it? - This was not my favorite book but I did enjoy seeing what happened at the end and how strong Sirius was when he saved all of those people.
What was my favorite part of the book? -
I really loved the part where Howard Rand made amends to the Wells family because it was good to see the goodness in him come to the surface after he had remained cold for such a long time.
Did the book engage my emotions? -
Yes, I was always very excited when Sirius would do some heroic action and I was always nervous for Vera and happy that everyone got out of the steamer safely.
Did the book feel complete or did it feel as though key elements were left out? -
This was the author’s first book and a few elements were missing. Sometimes the dialogue felt forced or very planned out and sometimes it felt like there were too many lucky moments but overall I thought that it had all of the elements you need to have a fascinating book.
How does the book compare to others I’ve read? -
I haven’t read too many adventure books but originally dog stories usually aren’t my go-to book. I don’t think this book compares to many others that I’ve read but I still enjoyed it.
Would I have done anything differently if I were the author? -
I would have made it so there weren’t as many lucky saves because each time Maggie would get into trouble they would quickly weave their way out of it faster than a regular person would have. I also would have made it so that we were able to look more behind into Maggie and Annie Kelly’s old friendship. Another thing I would change is that I knew what Maggie’s father said to make Marcus cry!
In conclusion, I think that this book was very interesting if you enjoy adventure books and heartwarming stories about dogs. I thought that it was a good book and it held my interest but it is definitely not one of the best I’ve read and it will not make my favorites. I did enjoy this book and I was excited to pick it back up. There isn’t a ton of interesting action at the beginning or at least they didn’t catch my attention but towards the end is where most of the important action happens. I definitely liked this book and I would recommend it.
(I don't know how to underline the title.)
May 31, 2018
I've been clearing out and rearranging my overload of books at home and came across a sweet young adult (for the younger set) book by Joan Hiatt Harlow called Star in the Storm... with a Newfie on the cover! Of course, since I had Newfoundland dogs for almost 40 years of my life, it tugged at my heartstrings just a bit, so I decided it was time to read it! It is a nice story of a young girl and her family early in the 20th century living in Newfoundland (of course!) and her beloved Newfie Sirius, whose life is in danger because a law has just been adopted outlawing all dogs except sheepherders. There is a carefully built plot with villains and heroes (the biggest, of course, is Sirius, whose swimming abilities will save the day), and the writing is solid although somewhat stilted, as though the author was trying too hard to make sure she got all her details in, regardless of pace. One nice aspect of the story, however, is how Joan Harlow worked in so many details, including language and superstitions, from the land which is her setting. So although the book isn't an award winner, I think it was a nice quick read and would appeal to the age group for whom it was intended. And it sure makes me miss my Newfies!!
May 22, 2023
The cover caught my attention (not a good way to choose a book, I know), and the story sounded promising, but after the first few chapters, I thought about adding this book to my "did not finish" shelves. The writing was awkward. Lot of characters. Barely enough description to make the people, place, and events come alive. Any detail that was included, stood out as something to be noticed because it was bound to be important to the story.
That said, about half way through the book, the story catches the reader's attention. I particularly liked the voices of the characters because they were so distinctive that I believe Ms Harlow may have captured the essence of Newfoundland in the early 1900s. Here are some of the vocabulary words that she uses (and explains) for the reader:
pishogue ("pies-hog"): superstitious foolishness
quidnunc: busybody
scrimshank: to shirk, to avoid one's obligations or work
That said, about half way through the book, the story catches the reader's attention. I particularly liked the voices of the characters because they were so distinctive that I believe Ms Harlow may have captured the essence of Newfoundland in the early 1900s. Here are some of the vocabulary words that she uses (and explains) for the reader:
pishogue ("pies-hog"): superstitious foolishness
quidnunc: busybody
scrimshank: to shirk, to avoid one's obligations or work
March 18, 2016
Pros: This book was filled with excitement, adventure, and suspense. It was well-written and I had no idea what would happen next. AND THAT ENDING! AWW!!
Cons: I don't know what to think of Tamar. Does she have witch powers? Did she cause Vera's sickness? Is she a good person now?
Maggie's parents are sooo unrealistic. At one point in the book, Maggie tells them she's going to hide Star from everyone, and her parents are literally like, "okay, that's great sweetie." They just go along with everything Maggie says.
Overall, I think this is a great book and think that while this is a children's book, teenagers and even adults would enjoy this story.
Cons: I don't know what to think of Tamar. Does she have witch powers? Did she cause Vera's sickness? Is she a good person now?
Maggie's parents are sooo unrealistic. At one point in the book, Maggie tells them she's going to hide Star from everyone, and her parents are literally like, "okay, that's great sweetie." They just go along with everything Maggie says.
Overall, I think this is a great book and think that while this is a children's book, teenagers and even adults would enjoy this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2009
An adventure tale with a courageous girl heroine and strong loyal dog. What's not to love. Put on your list as a book with strong female characters. Perfect book for 4th or 5th grade girl wanting a realistic fiction that isn't all about boys and cliques.
November 27, 2019
In this book there is a little girl named Maggie and her star dog named Sirius. Maggie and Sirius have a good relationship and they both have many problems. Firstly, in the first few pages they start introducing a man named Howard Rand and his daughter named Tamar. Howard Rand is the richest person in all their bay! However the Rand family also hates dogs! They are trying to put a law against dogs. One day when Tamar was looking after her sheep two dogs chased it right off the cliff and into the ocean. Sirius tried to save the sheep because he knows how to swim. Tamar did not see the other two dogs and her sheep died because Sirius was also not quick enough. Since her sheep died, and she did not see the other dogs who actually chased the sheep she blamed it on Maggie’s poor Sirius. Soon Howard Rand even came to shoot Sirius! However this is nothing. Later in the book, Maggie even loses a precious brooch, and her father is even in danger because of a storm and his boat might even sink! On top of all of that the law that said dogs are against the law is made into the real law! Maggie even decides to hide Sirius since he is really smart and he is Maggie’s bright star dog! With all this going on Maggie is really busy. WHAT WILL SHE DO???
April 9, 2024
I read a book aimed for kids, at least that’s how I felt.
Star in the Storm is a very quick read about a young girl and her dog that is apparently able to do anything and everything, and has won all the hearts of the townspeople except for the mean ol’ capitalist. When a law is inexplicably passed banning all non-sheepdogs from their small Newfoundland town, the dog must be hidden away lest despair come upon the family.
The book goes quick and stays basic with character descriptions and tropes. Mom and Dad are humble and hardworking, there’s a town drunk who means well, the townspeople have their one quirk each, and that’s it. It’s not a bad thing, as the main character is a girl between the ages of 8-11, so it stands to reason she wouldn’t perceive more than what’s presented to her.
There is “conflict,” but none of it lasts for very long. The main character always has the answers or a plan, which leads to a couple of fun scenes, but this is a very black-and-white book in terms of morality.
I feel a bit silly writing so much about a children’s book, so I will conclude and say that Star in the Storm is a good enough read for young people. Don’t expect many twists and turns or complex themes, and you’ll have a time of it.
Star in the Storm is a very quick read about a young girl and her dog that is apparently able to do anything and everything, and has won all the hearts of the townspeople except for the mean ol’ capitalist. When a law is inexplicably passed banning all non-sheepdogs from their small Newfoundland town, the dog must be hidden away lest despair come upon the family.
The book goes quick and stays basic with character descriptions and tropes. Mom and Dad are humble and hardworking, there’s a town drunk who means well, the townspeople have their one quirk each, and that’s it. It’s not a bad thing, as the main character is a girl between the ages of 8-11, so it stands to reason she wouldn’t perceive more than what’s presented to her.
There is “conflict,” but none of it lasts for very long. The main character always has the answers or a plan, which leads to a couple of fun scenes, but this is a very black-and-white book in terms of morality.
I feel a bit silly writing so much about a children’s book, so I will conclude and say that Star in the Storm is a good enough read for young people. Don’t expect many twists and turns or complex themes, and you’ll have a time of it.
December 8, 2021
I didn’t have high expectations for this book. It was just something I picked up at a library sale to add to the dog/adventure collection I was making for my son. We chose it for a read aloud time, and I completely enjoyed it! The characters were “real”, the setting cosy, and the family relationships sturdy and loyal. I’m glad the author used regional phrases and terms. We had fun asking Alexa for definitions. FYI, she couldn’t come up with one for calabogus, a Canadian mixed drink of rum, spruce beer, and molasses.
June 27, 2025
This was one of my childhood favorites! It tells the story of a girl named Maggie, and her Newfoundland dog, Sirius. There are several small conflicts throughout and it's a delight seeing how Maggie deals with them.
This book is a very quick read, easily done in one to two hours. It's a great middle grade historical fiction story set in Newfoundland a few months after the sinking of the Titanic. It also features events that mirrored the real world with Newfoundland dogs rescuing people. This is definitely a cute and heartwarming read for dog lovers.
This book is a very quick read, easily done in one to two hours. It's a great middle grade historical fiction story set in Newfoundland a few months after the sinking of the Titanic. It also features events that mirrored the real world with Newfoundland dogs rescuing people. This is definitely a cute and heartwarming read for dog lovers.
June 12, 2023
What an endearing little story! Such a special one considering it is set here in my own province of Newfoundland and about newfoundland dogs of course:) Those dogs are indeed gentle giants and have been invaluable in saving so many lives over the years. Wholesome content with many references to God and praying, how the Lord used a child to help the prophet Naaman being healed from leprosy. A satisfying and feel good story involving kindness and compassion, even towards those who aren't.
August 26, 2025
So to be honest, I haven't read this book in years. But it was my absolute favorite as a kid, and I read it so many times that I still, to this day, have parts of it completely memorized. It made such a huge impact on my life and love of reading, and I just bought it again for my niece to read in hopes that she will love it, too. It's such a beautifully written story and unlocked my love of reading at an early age. I still recommend this book to people, even decades later.
June 27, 2019
I know it's a children's book and all, but a lot of the dialogue is unbelievably sappy. The story was fairly interesting, but the ending seemed kind of loose, as in some problems were never really solved along with the fact that some of the characters' relationships weren't exactly cultivated or explained.
March 24, 2021
Historical Realism
4th-6th grade
I liked this book and how it portrayed the companionship of a dog. I think that many people can connect to this book because we all hold our pets dear to our hearts and what to do anything to protect them. With a dramatic change at the end of the book, I enjoyed reading about a girl and her dog and what life meant to them.
4th-6th grade
I liked this book and how it portrayed the companionship of a dog. I think that many people can connect to this book because we all hold our pets dear to our hearts and what to do anything to protect them. With a dramatic change at the end of the book, I enjoyed reading about a girl and her dog and what life meant to them.
June 11, 2024
I read this when I was ten years old. That was many years ago now. So I don't really remember the plot. I do know that I liked the book quite a lot. I really wanted a New Newfoundland dog after reading it, which in hindsight would have been ridiculous. I was a midget, and could have ridden a Newfoundland at that age. Anyway, I would recommend this book to kids who like dogs.
October 19, 2017
I loved the whole story, But it was a little sad. Because in the story there is a guys that wants to a kill a dog named Sirius and its owners name is Maggie. This book was good, I hope you can try to read this book.
August 25, 2018
This was a pretty good book about a girl and her dog. I enjoyed the parts about praying and the mentions of God too. I enjoyed learning more about Newfoundland and the dogs named after the place. It brought me to tears at the end, I love happy endings.
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