The Star Outside My Window

by Onjali Q. Raúf

My mum is up there somewhere. She's waiting -- I can feel it. I just have to find her in time, that's all ... Because when I do, I'll know the truth about who stole her. '

Told through the innocent voice of a child, this is a story that celebrates the power of hope and resilience, from the author of The Boy at the Back of the Class.

On her tenth birthday, Aniyah makes a wish -- a wish for her mum. After school that same day, Aniyah and her brother are rushed out of school and driven far, far away.

So Aniyah sets out to find out the truth -- about the wish and about what happened to her mother. And in doing so she ends up on an adventure she never could have foreseen...one that involves a very clever squirrel, a homeless man named Harry, the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, and the biggest star in Hollywood...

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Family, Adventure, Childrens, Novels, Friendship

306 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2019

About the author

Onjali Q. Rauf is the founder of Making Herstory, an organisation mobilising men, women and children from all walks of life to tackle the abuse and trafficking of women and girls in the UK and beyond. In her spare time she delivers emergency aid convoys for refugee families surviving in Calais and Dunkirk, and supports interfaith projects.

Her first novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, has sold over 100,000 copies and won multiple awards. Her second book, The Star Outside My Window, publishes in October 2019.

Reviews

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you like to read a book where the child in you wants to join the lead characters in their adventure, the parent in you wants to ask the children to be careful as their planned quest is very dangerous, and the human in you is shocked at the brutality of fellow humans? A book where you laugh out loud, sob silent tears, feel angry, frustrated, relieved, afraid? A book you can share with your child and yet enjoy it yourself? Your search stops here.

Aniyah is a little 10 year old girl who finds herself, along with her 5 year old brother Noah, in foster care. Her memory is hazy about how she reached Mrs. Iwuchukwu's foster house. All she knows is that her mother has become a star in the sky and her dad is looking for her. When the news channels report a previously-undiscovered star that seems to be moving across the skies, Aniyah knows that it's her mom trying to reach out to her. And when there's a worldwide competition to name the star, she knows that the star deserves her mother's name. After all, her mother's heart powers the star! Thus begins Aniyah's adventure along with two of the other children in foster care, Ben and Trevor.

The book is written for children, no doubt in that. There are many hilarious scenes, there is a whole load of adventure, there are many dangers that the children overcome, and there is a happy ending. (Every child deserves a book with a happy ending, right? Why let them learn too early how much life actually sucks?) At the same time, you, the adult reading the book, can sense the serious undertone that the children can't see, the hidden happenings that Aniyah seems unable to interpret correctly but leave you stupefied. You want to reach out and help Aniyah but you can't. All you can do is let your heart break again and again because you know that the fictional pain depicted in the book is a fact for many children.

I loved Aniyah, Noah, Trevor and Ben. Of the five children in the book, these four show a whole range of positive qualities that little readers will enjoy. The fifth child, Sophie, plays the mandatory negative character who hides her true emotions under a facade of aggression. But one lady I admired from the bottom of my heart was the foster caregiver, Mrs. Iwuchukwu. As that name sounded very unique, I googled its origin. Turns out that Iwuchukwu is an Igbo name meaning "God's convenant". And Mrs. Iwuchukwu is just like God to these unwanted children. I've been a parent for so many years and consider parenting as OJT (On the Job Training); you learn every day. But in this one book, Mrs. Iwuchukwu had so much to teach me. I was simply awestruck by her character.

If you have any 9+ aged child in your life, give them a hug and give them this book. And you yourself don't forget to read it. Keep tissues handy.

Trigger warning: parental death



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[Liam Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on LiamReads.co.uk 🖥

Like most people, I believe that every child should get to see themselves in the books they read. It's why I champion LGBTQ+ titles for kids and teens, why I punch the air every time I come across a new picture book where the princess doesn't need saving and wants to slay the dragon herself, and it's why I (and plenty of others) continue to make such a racket about the lack of of BAME characters in children's publishing (for more info on that topic, check out CLPE's Reflecting Realities study).

Of course, representation goes beyond tick-box demographics like gender identity, sexuality, and ethnicity - it's about lived experience. It's no good including diverse characters if you're only doing it to meet a quota. Children from all backgrounds need to see their lives reflected in the literature they read and it's important that this representation is more than just surface-level. In The Star Outside My Window, Onjali shines the spotlight on an issue that children's books rarely address: domestic violence.

Maybe it's because we think of children's literature as pleasant stories filled with "happily ever afters" or perhaps it's because we view children's books as a form of escapism where nasty topics need to be sugarcoated or avoided entirely. Maybe it's just that as adults we're overprotective and don't like the idea of children knowing about violence and abuse. Whatever the reason, domestic abuse is a subject that rarely rears its head in mainstream children's publishing and whatever excuse we make for its absence, the fact of the matter is choosing not to write (or publish) books on domestic violence doesn't stop it from happening in the real world. And for the children experiencing it at home who don't know who to turn to or what the consequences might be if they speak out, stories like Onjali's can be a beacon of light.

Of all the children's books I've read, The Star Outside My Window has without question been the trickiest to review. Mainly because when I think about the characters and their stories for too long I get super emotional but also because when writing a review, I try to take a balanced approach: these were the things I liked, these were the things I didn't like so much. Except that approach doesn't really work with The Star Outside My Window because there was nothing about this book that I didn't enjoy.

As a result, this book review is going to take a slightly different approach. So without further ado...

3 Things I Loved About The Star Outside My Window
1. The Tone

Writing about domestic violence is never easy but when you're targeting a middle grade audience of 9-13 year olds it's absolutely crucial that you get the tone right. You don't want to downplay the issue of domestic violence because that would be doing a disservice to the thousands of children and families like Aniyah's who have experienced abuse. But at the same time you also don't want a story that's dominated by darkness and filled with despair - children want a book they can enjoy and it's important that they know that no matter how bleak things may seem today, the future can always be brighter. Hope is an important thing in children's literature and for children going through a similar experience to Aniyah and her family, it can be a real lifeline. It's clear that Onjali and her publishing team at Orion have spent a lot of time making sure they get this book right and I'm glad to say that The Star Outside My Window handles the subject with sensitivity, tact and Onjali's signature warmth which just radiates off the page.

One of the things I really admired about the book was that it included a content warning at the start:

Before we take flight...

This is a story written for everyone.

But it's also a story that may cause distress or upset for anyone who is seeing or experiencing abuse in their own home, and is having to be extra-especially brave and strong.

If you should happen to be one such special person, or are worried that someone you know is being hurt, please turn to the back of this book to learn more about the people who are ready and waiting to help you and your loved ones. No matter how big or small you - or your loved ones - may be.

Sending you all our love and stardust...

It's just a little thing but it's an incredibly thoughtful gesture. It goes without saying that this isn't a story for everyone and some children will struggle with the situations presented in this novel more than others. I actually got incredibly emotional reading the content warning because it really drives home the fact that while this book is fiction, for so many children this is their reality. At the end of the book, there's a list of support groups and phone numbers for anyone looking for advice and guidance on abuse if it's something they're experiencing. I hope that no child reading The Star Outside My Window ever has to use that contact information but it's comforting to know that they have access to help and support should they ever need it.

Despite the hard-hitting subject matter, there's actually a lot of humour in this book. If you've read The Boy at the Back of the Class, you'll know how good Onjali is at incorporating heart and joy into her characters despite the hardships they're facing. One of the things that amazes me about children is their resilience - no matter what they've gone through, they always seem to have this ability to bounce back. It's the same for Aniyah and Noah and the other foster children they meet while staying with their foster mother Mrs Iwuchukwu (more about her below!) Like The Boy at the Back of the Class, the narrative is told from the point-of-view of a 10-year-old and so there's a whole bunch of mischief, naivety and silliness that adds warmth to the story and makes you root for Aniyah and her friends.


2. Mrs Iwuchukwu

"She wears lots and lots of necklaces and beads and bracelets so that whenever she moves, she makes clunking noises like marbles moving inside a bag. She also smiles so much that I think her cheeks must hurt all the time. I've never seen anyone smile as much as she does. Most of the time I have to look around to see what she's smiling at, because usually you need a reason to smile. But Mrs Iwuchukwu doesn't seem to need any."

Okay so I'm going to say on record that Mrs Iwuchukwu is my favourite adult to ever appear in a children's book. She is such an incredible character who brings so much warmth to the novel. In The Star Outside My Window Onjali carefully unpicks the idea that adults are safe and responsible caregivers that children can always rely on. So often that it true, but sadly it's not always the case. Thankfully Mrs Iwuckukwu, the children's foster mother, is there to restore our faith in adults and human kindness and I'm so glad that Aniyah and company find their way to her after all the hardships they've faced. Although she's not a particularly prominent character, Mrs Iwuchukwu's presence is felt throughout the novel and she acts as a sort of moral compass guiding the children on their journey; Aniyah often finds herself contemplating what Mrs Iwuchukwu would do in her shoes and spends a lot of time agonising over what she would think of her decisions. Towards the end of the novel, we learn a little of Mrs Iwuchkwu's backstory - I won't spoil it for you - suffice to say you'll feel even more love for her once you discover what she's been through. I asked Onjali whether she had a first name in mind for Mrs Iwuchukwu when she was writing as it's never mentioned in the book. She told me it's Udo, which in Igbo means "peace". I can't think of a more fitting name for such a wonderful character.


3. Star Hunting

Throughout the novel, Aniyah is obsessed with the stars and is set on becoming a Star Hunter (that's an astronomer in boring adult-speak) when she grows up. Her mum once told her that the people with the biggest hearts go on to become stars in the sky watching over everyone, so when Aniyah hears a bang and later learns that her mum isn't around anymore, she's certain that her mum has gone to live up in the sky as a star. It's a beautifully poetic metaphor that masks the true circumstances of Aniyah's mum's passing without diminishing the raw emotions of loss and grief that both Aniyah and her younger brother Noah are going through.

Shortly after Aniyah's mother's 'disappearance', astronomers observe a huge star hurtling across the solar system travelling closer to Earth than any star has before. When Aniyah and Noah see a news report on the star, they realise it must be their mum making her way up into the sky. And so begins an adventure to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich as the children journey to see their mum through the Great Equatorial Telescope and try to convince the astronomers to name the new star after their mother, Isabella.

I found the idea that the stars in the sky are our loved ones watching over us a really comforting way of helping children come to terms with the idea of death. Towards the end of the novel, there's a reference to Greek mythology where Aniyah learns the tale of the Seven Sisters who were turned into stars and placed up in sky out of Orion's reach so that he couldn't take them. This was the first time I'd came across this story and I loved the way it reinforced the idea that our lives never really come to an end. I found it really clever and I loved the way that folklore and legends were intertwined with science and astronomy to help us make sense of the world and our place in it. There's more of this at the end of the book where readers get a description of different constellations and the stories behind them (each chapter header features an illustration of a different constellation and they're all explained at the back of the book).

Speaking of astronomy, one of the other things I loved about The Star Outside My Window was the positive representation of women in science. Professor Bridges at the Royal Observatory was such an inspirational character and a positive role-model for young girls like Aniyah who want to pursue a career in science. The scenes that took place in the Royal Observatory were so vividly depicted I felt like I was there and there was some really powerful moments towards the end where Aniyah and her friends find themselves grappling with a whole host of emotions: awe and excitement over the scientific discoveries all around them, elation at making it to the end of their journey and arriving at the Observatory despite all the obstacles they faced, and grief as the realisation finally sets in over the loss of their mother. I'd managed not to cry for most of the book but it was at the point that I couldn't hold it in any longer. My heart broke for Aniyah and Noah but as I saw Professor Bridges, Mrs Iwuchukwu (the children's foster mum) and the other children all come together to support the siblings I was overwhelmed by the compassion and empathy pouring out of the pages. I think a lot of parents might be skeptical about their children reading a book about domestic abuse, but this book is about so much more than that: it's about friendship, showing strength in the face of adversity, and learning that families aren't defined by blood, but by the loyalty and love we show each other no matter what.


When I first heard that Onjali was working on a second novel I was excited but skeptical: How could anything live up to The Boy at the Back of the Class?? Boy do I feel foolish. The Star Outside My Window is easily one of the best children's books I've read this year and, while very different to The Boy at the Back of the Class, it shares its warmth, heart and humour. Despite this being only her second novel, Onjali has most certainly made her mark in children's publishing and established herself as one of children's literature's heavyweights - and deservedly so. We live in a scary time where politicians and world leaders are using a divisive and dehumanising rhetoric to pit us against one another, creating a divided and dangerous world. Thankfully, stories like Onjali's are teaching children values that those in charge have forgotten - values like compassion, love and tolerance. And guess what - it's working. Just a couple of months ago, The Boy at the Back of the Class surpassed 100,000 sales. That's 100,000 reasons to be hopeful for the future. Now we just have to get The Star Outside My Window to the same milestone.

I cannot recommend The Star Outside My Window enough and if you do choose to read it, please do get in touch to let me know what you think. Just make sure you have tissues on standby!

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some serious feels in this book! The story touches on the affect of domestic abuse on children and the lengths that two siblings go to remember their mother who was lost to abuse. The characters feel very real and you just want to give them a big hug and tell them everything will be ok.

Aniya and her brother Noah get put into foster care after their abusive father kills their mother. Aniya and Noah are not aware that this has happened. On the night that it happened Aniya believes she hears her mother’s heart explode into a star. When they discover that a rare phenomenon of a star travelling close to earth Aniya believes this star is her mother coming to find them. There is a global competition to name the star and Aniya knows this star has to have her mother’s name. With the help of her foster brothers Travis and Ben, they hatch a plan to get to the observatory in London in time to make sure the star gets her mother’s name.

[Mohsen M.B · Rating 3 out of 5]

اوایل داستان کند بود و خسته‌کننده و حتی اعصاب‌خردکن. یه جاهایی قشنگ با خودم فکر می‌کردم چطور بچه‌ ان‌قدر توصیف‌های ادبی می‌کنه! آخر داستان رو هم خیلی احساسی کرده بود و به نظر می‌رسید می‌خواد به‌زور حس همدردی رو به مخاطب القا کنه. درباره‌ی شخصیت‌ها هم می‌شه حرف زد، اما من که حالش رو ندارم. :)ـ

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about domestic abuse told from the child’s perspective.

10-year-old Aniyah and her 5-year old brother Ben find themselves in a foster home. While the children are seemingly unclear as to their predicament the author makes it clear to the reader that their mother has died due to domestic violence. Aniyah is aware that her mother is not coming back but death is never mentioned.

When hearing about a new star just appeared in the sky she decides that it must be her mother. Being a ‘star hunter’ Aniyah knows all about this and when the Royal Observatory posts a contest to name the new star Aniyah must get there so that they correctly name the star after her mother.

These two children are fortunate enough to have found themselves in a loving foster home (this is not always the case) and has forged a friendship with two of the other foster children. There is another foster child, the eldest who is not so nice, but provides a much needed edge to the story. A bit of vinegar to the honey.

Aniyah, Ben and their two best foster friends set off in secret to get to the Royal Observatory in London in time to make sure the star is named correctly.

While their adventure getting to London is often unrealistic it is none the less a terrific read about childhood loyalty, friendship and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

The author’s reason for writing this book is nothing if not admirable and while she makes the foster system seem cheery and bright when it is not always the case I am sure her heart was in the right place.

Written with young children in mind the author has managed to make the more hideous aspects of domestic abuse readable for children without being graphic.

The cover is perfect for this story.

[Gavin Hetherington]

I was looking forward to reading this book but I have unfortunately had to unhaul it due to Onjali's transphobic views that were made very clear during a speech she did in 2019, which you can read the transcript for here: https://womansplaceuk.org/2019/10/01/...

I also acknowledge this in my recent unhaul video on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eh63xq8nPIA

[Chloe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent the last few hours reading this, couldn’t put it down. I was so hooked in the story. I felt so emotional at the end and it’s such a good way to open discussion about sensitive topics. It’s a good way to understand the issues raised from a child’s point of view.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I finished this on the metro and I just had to cry quietly. This is just wonderful. Some tough issues dealt with beautifully and I can see why it’s been so popular! I devoured the last 100 pages very quickly because I needed to know. Gripping, heartbreaking and filled with love.

[RuchReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, although the book Star Outside my Window is projected as middle grade fiction, but any empathetic adult should definitely give it a go!
Written from the perspective of 10 year old Aniyah, the book deals with the trauma of losing a parent and domestic violence. But, even with these heartbreaking undercurrents running throughout the book, it's not sad or gloomy but has innocence and exuberance which only children have and bring with them everywhere. Aniyah and her little brother Noah are placed in foster care with Mrs Iwuchukwu, who is a ray of sunshine in the kids lives, kind, fair and loving!
Keen on astronomy, when Aniyah learns about the naming of a newly discovered star by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, she's convinced it's her mum and that's the only name the star should have. What follows is a sweet little adventure, full of heart in mouth moments till it all comes to a culmination bringing the kids happiness, smile and some closure.
Along the way to Greenwich from Oxford, Aniyah learns a thing or two about love, friendship, trust and discovers her own courage and resilience too😊
The author has done a brilliant job at highlighting serious issues with compassion and subtlety. One of those reads which are bound to leave the reader with a smile and a tear, both together ❤️

[Louise Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is both heartbreaking and full of hope. Aniyah’s rose-tinted glasses make this a difficult read as an adult as I know what is truly happening, but the sensitive issues in this book are dealt with perfectly and this story has left me emotionally at peace.

[Euodias · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 STARS 🌟 That plot twist at the end got me balling my eyes out! This book talks about domestic violence in such a beautiful childlike manner and it's so interesting to experience it from a child's perspective. It's very eye-opening, I highly recommend picking this up! So so good 😭

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aniyah and her brother, Noah, have gone to live with Mrs I and the children she fosters. We know very little about their circumstances but can glean something major has happened. Both are traumatised by their experiences and talk of their mum becoming a star hint at what might have happened.
As the story progresses we learn of the games they used to play with their mum that clearly indicate a life of abuse at the hands of their father. Their wariness and defence mechanisms are tough to read about as an adult.
Reading this as an adult was probably quite a different experience to that of the target audience. Much is hinted at and the details are sparse, but they offer enough to firmly place you on the side of these kids and others like them.
The main focus of the story is the madcap plan to get to the Royal Observatory in order to make sure that the newly discovered star is given their mother’s name. Ignoring plausibility this was the kind of madcap scheme that had you hoping they’d succeed.
Though it was clear what had happened, the final stages of this where Aniyah has her moment of acceptance were hard. In spite of sitting on the bus reading I had tears rolling down my face and found myself needing a moment to digest what, for me, was a sensitively told story but what, for many, will be a grim reality.

[Susana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei muito, muito, muito deste livro!!!
Uma escrita de estilo simples e tom suave (porque destinado a crianças e adolescentes), sobre o tema triste da violência doméstica, tema de que se deveria falar mais, mesmo que seja desagradável ou incómodo.
Um livro que traz esperança, que coloca de forma leve o dedo nalgumas feridas (sim, muitas vezes são os mais próximos quem não ouve as vítimas e quem menospreza as suas queixas), que mostra como os amigos podem ser importantes ou simplesmente que alguém acredite em nós e não grite por coisas sem importância.
Uma autora corajosa e com um coração enorme! #MakingHerStory

[Sarah Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many people recommended this book to me and so I had to read it! A heartbreaking but inspirational story about a young girl who, after being put into a foster home with her brother after their mother dies, travels to London so that a new star is named in memory of their mother. This is a reassuring read to all children who have lost someone, reminding them that their loved ones are always there and are looking down on them. I love the ending-Aniyah and Noah love their new foster home and feel it is their new family just like her mother's star joins the pleiades consolation where she is one of seven sisters and their parents Atlas and Pleione. To me, it is almost as if the story aligns, just like all the stars. So well written, I completely fell in love with this story.

[Payam Ebrahimi · Rating 1 out of 5]

اهورامزدا! این کشور را از دشمن، خشکسالی، دروغ و کتاب‌های نشر میلکان محفوظ بدار.
البته که از نشری که پاندای فلان و پسرک و موش کور و زهرمار چاپ می‌کنه انتظاری نمی‌ره که کتاب نسبتاً خوب هم چاپ کنه.ولی خب مزخرف بودن هم حدی داره.
جدای هزار هزار ایرادی که چون کتاب حتی ارزش حرف زدن هم نداره وقتم رو هدر نمی‌کنم براش، باید بگم کتاب در یک کلام آبکی بود. و دیگر هیچ.

[Laura (laura.s.m.m) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Que história tão linda e emocionante.

Um livro que fala de luto em crianças, sobre a passagem das mesmas nas casas de acolhimento.
Um livro sobre uma mãe que se transforma numa estrela...
Um livro sobre a inocência das crianças e de como estas conseguem ver sempre o mais belo do mundo.

Este livro está muito bem desenvolvido, especialmente para um público mais jovem, a temática é forte, mas o livro em si é bastante leve.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic and deals with emotional topics very well.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult subject tackled with much grace and sensitivity. Beautifully done.

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that feel so personal because you relate so much to certain experiences of the protagonist and this was one such for me. The loss of a parent as a young child, is a permanent feeling of being cheated that never really goes away even if you learn to bear the pain and move on. For 10 yo Aniyah and her 5 yo kid brother Noah, it is so much worse because of the way their mother was taken away from them before they were placed in foster care.

What Aniyah recalls about her life before raises the ugly sceptre of domestic violence;a truth that she is too young to understand but one that as adult readers we can. Holding onto the belief that her mother's heart has turned into a star is all that Aniyah has and so when she hears of the new, unique star that is moving across the sky and is so special that a competition is being held to find a name for it, she is convinced that it is her mother looking out for her and Noah and that the star must be named for her mother. To make sure this happens, she sets out on an adventure to London with Ben and Travis, two other foster kids at the home.

There are many heartwarming moments in this story but the most lingering feeling is the innocence of the kids who truly believe in their important mission. So much so that you want them to succeed; to get away from the house, get onto that bus, do whatever it takes to get what they want. The instant bond of friendship that Ben and Travis form with Aniyah is another wonderful part of the story. They don't question what she believes in, don't try to dissuade her or tell her what they know about her former life that she doesn't seem to. They just think up ways to help and take the risks needed, all to make her happy. Noah was the character I felt the most for. Knowing things have changed, clinging on to his sister, yet able to get excited about getting to wear a ghost costume and a colander for a helmet, I just wanted to hug him. His portrayal is so authentic and well done.

Mrs Iwuchukwu, the foster mom of these kids is, like her name, unique. She is genuinely loving to the children under her care. Children who have all experienced some form of neglect and abuse before they came to her.

The journey the 4 kids undertake is one that you want to encourage them along, all the while hoping they get the happy ending they seek, because they are just so earnest about it and convince you that what they are looking to do is totally worth it. In that way, it is an upbeat tale because of the positivity these children have even after everything that has happened to them. I enjoyed this tone of the book. That the author could take such a grim theme and write a story that was not dark and depressing but full of hope was amazing.

[Suja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aniyah is a 10 year old girl who is in the foster care of Mrs. Iwuchukwu along with her baby brother Noah. She doesn’t exactly remember how she ended up in the foster care but all she remembers is her mum’s heart becoming a star. Aniyah also is thinking that her dad is looking for them. When the Royal observatory of Greenwich announces the finding of a new star Aniyah is convinced that it’s her mum and she wants to make sure her mum is not given a wrong name. Hence begins her journey to Greenwich from Waverley village. Her companions in this journey are Noah and the other 2 kids from foster care Ben and Travis. The book details their journey and the story with the naming of the star.

The book which is told in the voice of Aniyah is written in a very simple language which is apt for the kids. Even though the telling is from a 10 year old’s perspective, the author makes sure to bring in serious issues like domestic abuse and parental death in a way that kids would process it. All the characters Aniyah, Ben, Travis and Noah have been sketched beautifully and reader would end up thinking wanting to have friends like Ben and Travis who support you whole heartedly without a hint of doubt. The best of all is the foster mum Mrs. Iwuchukwu. It’s hard to find people that loving when it comes to foster kids.

This is such an amazing book. Makes you smile, laugh and cry by the time it gets over. I loved this book and am looking forward to reading more books from this author

[Millie Moo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really touched me..Beautifully written book such heartbreaking at times two siblings put in to foster care and what a beautiful caring relationship they had and friendship with the other children in the home,the foster mum a beautiful kind hearted caring person who put her foot down too at times.
Very emotional when reading this book

Can’t wait to read other books from this author as has the heart in the right place when this book was written

Definitely a book everyone should read highly recommended it

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ma première lecture en VO, très simple à comprendre j'ai adoré 😍

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very compassionate novel, written with warmth and heartfelt understanding of the themes and events and emotions involved, as evidenced by the author's note at the back of the book, where we learn that the seed of the story is very personal to her own life. We meet ten year old Aniyah and her little brother Noah, as they have arrived at a foster home where several other children live with a kind foster mother. Aniyah is convinced that her mum isn't gone forever, but that she has become a star in the sky. The book takes us on an adventure to the Greenwich Observatory as Aniyah is determined that her mum's name will be remembered. There's a note before you start reading to warn that the story may be distressing to anyone for whom the themes of domestic abuse and losing family may be very close to home, and there is advice at the back of the book to offer help to anyone dealing with this who needs it. There are two lovely maps so that as you read you can follow the epic journey that the children undertake. The star theme is threaded throughout the book, with drawings of constellations at the start of each chapter, and these are named in an index at the back, with encouragement for readers to find out the stories of these constellations and how they tie in to the story. The writer really captures Aniyah's voice, the courage, determination and spirit of her character, but also terrible sadness, fear and grief she is enduring.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Star Outside My Window is a beautiful novel which follows Aniyah and her brother Noah after their mother disappears. The night that their mother disappears Aniyah hears a load bang and from that deducts that her mother has in-fact turned into a star - as those with extra-special hearts turn into stars. To support this idea, shortly after this event, a new phenomenal star attracts the attention of fellow Star Hunters. This idea a lost one becoming a star is a tale that many are told and offers those who suffer loss the comfort of knowing their loved ones are still watching them and the way in which this is manifested within this novel is wonderful.
As the siblings are moved into foster care, they develop strong friendships with others in the foster home and continue to build their friendships as they embark on ‘The Star Hunters’ Top-Secret Midnight Mission’ to ensure the new star is given its rightful name, the name of Aniyah and Noah’s mother. The novel follows the journey that Aniyah, Noah, Ben and Travis as they travel over 50 miles to name the star.

I personally find the ending so beautiful yet tragic as the star, now named Isabella, is heading towards the Seven Sister Constellation. Where the sisters were turned into stars to be able to stay safe and protected from the Hunter Orion (as explained in the book). My interpretation of this is telling the reader that although Isabella (like the Seven Sisters) is no longer living on Earth, they are now safe and will not have to endure suffering anymore as their suffering is gone and the causes to their suffering is far far away.


This story is truly both beautiful and sad and would need to be shared with children with caution due to the underlying themes surrounding domestic abuse as well as sensitive themes such as the death of a parent and living in foster care. However, the story is told from the point of a child and the theme of domestic abuse is described from a child’s point of view where the events leading to Aniyah and Noah’s move into foster care is, on the surface, quite unclear but is easily understood from an adult perspective.

[Natasha (jouljet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oafff! My heart! My chest is totally hurting as I finished this one. This is a powerful, beautiful, heartbreaking and important story. A Middle Grade fiction about the impacts of domestic violence on children, from a child's perspective.

Aniyah and her little brother Noah are suddenly placed in foster care, after something happened to their Mum. The details of how they got here are hazy, and what happened are missing from her memory, but Aniyah knows her mother has become a star, to watch over them from the skies above.

As a star hunter, Aniyah's interest in astrology helps her to knows Mum is out there somewhere - and then her foster brothers and her hear about the new star in the sky.

Their adventure begins, as they rush to make sure the new star is named after their mother. Now, the adventure is fun and compelling reading, but the adult in me wonders if this would give kids ideas - it's all very realistic, risky, and totally possible.

Alongside the fun, there are the very real and painful mentions of experiences at home for Aniyah and Noah - the games they were to play to try to keep quite, not flip Dad's switch, and now, the longest game of hide and seek. The reality for far too many children in families where violence is present.

This is a clever MG book aimed at making kids who have fled from family violence, and other reasons that land kids in care, to help them feel less alone. And will certainly build empathy in many other young readers, who haven't but know someone who has.

[Carina Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enquadrando-se na categoria de infanto juvenil, este livro contado sempre pela visão de crianças de 10 anos é um hino à inocência e pureza próprias da idade. Um tema difícil como a violência doméstica e o homicídio em violência doméstica, enquadrado numa visão inocente de uma criança. Um livro que vale a pena ler.

[Célia Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5. Opinião no meu blogue, em https://wwwescrevinhados-cantarinha.b...

[Paddy Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The star outside my window is a sad and mournful story because Aniyah got separated from her parents and is now staying in a foster home while she is there she meets some new friends. Aniyah thinks that her mum is a star because she felt sounds inside her body so she explains to her friends that she needs to go to the greenwich observatory. Will she get to the observatory or will she not.

[Matilda]

Amazing great quality

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for books with the word 'star' in them. This gorgeous cover drew me in and so did the story. We can handle grief only in the ways we know and in this book, Aniyah, the 10-year-old protagonist, handles the grief of losing her mother by searching for her star in the Universe.

I know. I have been there, placing my faith on a star I see in the sky, believing it to be a version of a human I once loved. It's a gentle story as Aniyah and Noah, her brother, go in search of her Mom's heart, crystallized in a star. An important and affecting tale that also draws attention to domestic abuse.