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The Star That Always Stays
When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you’re Ojibwe.
Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage.
Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia’s mother forces her to pretend she’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan.
Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion.
But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?
Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson’s family history.
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A Parnassus Books Spark Club Pick!
"INSPIRING."— Kirkus Reviews
"A NEW CLASSIC."— Southern Bookseller Review
"INTIMATE."— Publishers Weekly
"BEAUTIFUL."— Booklist
"UNPUTDOWNABLE."—Anne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies
"LOVINGLY WOVEN... PAIRS WELL WITH 'THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE.'"—Cynthia Leitich Smith, NYT -bestselling author of Ancestor Approved
Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage.
Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia’s mother forces her to pretend she’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan.
Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion.
But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?
Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson’s family history.
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A Parnassus Books Spark Club Pick!
"INSPIRING."— Kirkus Reviews
"A NEW CLASSIC."— Southern Bookseller Review
"INTIMATE."— Publishers Weekly
"BEAUTIFUL."— Booklist
"UNPUTDOWNABLE."—Anne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies
"LOVINGLY WOVEN... PAIRS WELL WITH 'THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE.'"—Cynthia Leitich Smith, NYT -bestselling author of Ancestor Approved
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2022
81 people are currently reading
3263 people want to read
About the author
Anna Rose Johnson
4 books295 followersStorytelling has always been a part of Anna Rose Johnson’s life—especially timeless tales tinged with vintage charm. She grew up fascinated by the early 20th century and now writes historical middle grade novels that reflect her love of classic children’s literature. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Anna Rose enjoys exploring her heritage through her stories, including her debut middle grade novel, The Star That Always Stays. Anna Rose lives on a farm in northern Wisconsin along with a delightful assortment of ponies, dogs, flowers, vegetables, and honey bees. You can visit her bookish blog at: http://annarosejohnson.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
July 12, 2022
Anne of Green Gables meets The Penderwicks.
I don't read a ton of middle-grade fiction. But goodness, this story was delightful. I fell in love with so many of the characters from the get-go. Dicta was a simply marvelous character. And the hurts and joys of these characters felt so real.
One particular facet of the story that stood out to me was the quiet nature of the major revelations and moments of growth for each of these characters. This isn't a story that delivers big dramatic scenes as certain readers like myself might be prone to expect. But the subtle plot points of this book have so much more powerful because of how realistic they feel. The work reminds me a lot more of my own childhood in that way than of a soap opera.
The way Johnson dealt with difficult themes like racism and divorce was particularly admirable. The fact that she dealt with them so well while staying true to the time period she was depicting was also noteworthy.
In conclusion, this is a wonderful middle-grade novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and would wholeheartedly recommend. If you're a lover of books like Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, or The Penderwicks, you won't want to miss this.
Rating: 4.0 Stars (Very Good)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I don't read a ton of middle-grade fiction. But goodness, this story was delightful. I fell in love with so many of the characters from the get-go. Dicta was a simply marvelous character. And the hurts and joys of these characters felt so real.
One particular facet of the story that stood out to me was the quiet nature of the major revelations and moments of growth for each of these characters. This isn't a story that delivers big dramatic scenes as certain readers like myself might be prone to expect. But the subtle plot points of this book have so much more powerful because of how realistic they feel. The work reminds me a lot more of my own childhood in that way than of a soap opera.
The way Johnson dealt with difficult themes like racism and divorce was particularly admirable. The fact that she dealt with them so well while staying true to the time period she was depicting was also noteworthy.
In conclusion, this is a wonderful middle-grade novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and would wholeheartedly recommend. If you're a lover of books like Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, or The Penderwicks, you won't want to miss this.
Rating: 4.0 Stars (Very Good)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2022
This book pleasantly surprised me. :)
I was expecting it to be good, don't get me wrong (after all, how could a book by a student of the Author Conservatory be anything but good?) but I did not expect to enjoy it this much.
I love Middle-Grade, but when I go for reading material, I tend to go for thrilling, scary books, not quiet historical novels like this. But this book pleasantly surprised me - actually, it did more than that.
It blew me away.
The engaging characters and situations pulled at me, and it was very tough to put this book down.
The plot and messages were very well-crafted, and all-in-all, this book was splendid.
Bravo, Anna Rose Johnson.
I was expecting it to be good, don't get me wrong (after all, how could a book by a student of the Author Conservatory be anything but good?) but I did not expect to enjoy it this much.
I love Middle-Grade, but when I go for reading material, I tend to go for thrilling, scary books, not quiet historical novels like this. But this book pleasantly surprised me - actually, it did more than that.
It blew me away.
The engaging characters and situations pulled at me, and it was very tough to put this book down.
The plot and messages were very well-crafted, and all-in-all, this book was splendid.
Bravo, Anna Rose Johnson.
June 22, 2022
THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS is a beautifully-written story exploring themes of identity, true courage, and family.
The main character, Norvia, started off as extremely sympathetic. I could relate to her perpetual state of overthinking, frequent social anxiety, and sensitivity, so right off the bat, I was rooting for her to adjust to the multitude of changes in her life.
I appreciated the author's subtle, L. M. Montgomery-style of storytelling, which paired well with the main character and her delicacy. Johnson also did a wonderful job breaking the mold with step-family stereotypes in fiction, showing the contrast between healthy and unhealthy relationships and how step-families are not always evil despite what Disney tells us. (Who knew?)
While this isn't what I'd personally classify as a heavy read, there are a lot of tense relationships and adjusting that really moved the story along. There were also moments that literally made me tear up, possibly due to the fact that I was very emotionally invested in these characters.
(Also, Vernon. LOVE HIM.)
Overall, a beautiful read displaying the complication of family dynamics and adjusting to things life throws at us all. Would highly recommend.
(Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own)
The main character, Norvia, started off as extremely sympathetic. I could relate to her perpetual state of overthinking, frequent social anxiety, and sensitivity, so right off the bat, I was rooting for her to adjust to the multitude of changes in her life.
I appreciated the author's subtle, L. M. Montgomery-style of storytelling, which paired well with the main character and her delicacy. Johnson also did a wonderful job breaking the mold with step-family stereotypes in fiction, showing the contrast between healthy and unhealthy relationships and how step-families are not always evil despite what Disney tells us. (Who knew?)
While this isn't what I'd personally classify as a heavy read, there are a lot of tense relationships and adjusting that really moved the story along. There were also moments that literally made me tear up, possibly due to the fact that I was very emotionally invested in these characters.
(Also, Vernon. LOVE HIM.)
Overall, a beautiful read displaying the complication of family dynamics and adjusting to things life throws at us all. Would highly recommend.
(Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own)
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December 28, 2023This book was so sweet and delightful - really felt like a classic!
August 8, 2022
Oh, I really enjoyed that!!! It reminded me of some of my favorite classics!!! I just loved this coming-of-age story and feeling like you don't fit in anywhere...honestly, been there. Not in the same way Norvia is, of course, but I'm a foster kid, and even though my foster parents are my aunt and uncle that first year of adjusting to having not three siblings but six was hard! I definitely think Miss Johnson did well on that aspect of the book!
Characters:
Norvia was the only MC and I loved her! Which, is a lot to say because I don't normally like girl characters, let alone girl leads...but I loved Norvia! (even her name is pretty!!!)
Elton and Casper were great brothers, felt very real...
Dicta was so much fun!
Vernon was complicated and my favorite of the side characters, his struggles and Norvia's...just yes!
Theme:
Learning to be okay with who you are and where you come from...you can only control your actions, not other people's as Uncle Virgil tells us, such a good lesson! I struggled with that for a while, wanting people to see me as popular and just cool, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, and being me, the person God made me to be is more important anyway.
Romance:
Not really anything to mention. Norvia has a crush and thinks about knights in shining armor and the perfect date, but nothing I wouldn't let a 9-year-old read happens, in fact Miss Johnson paints a beautiful picture of waiting till you are older. Enjoying childhood.
Language:
N/A
Overall:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Glad to have it on my shelf! I loved that it mentioned Norvia reading some of my favorite classics!!! That was fun! And I soooooooo hope there is a sequel in store because I want to know the next part of Norvia's story...and Vernon's and see how it all pans out for them both...and Elton, and....well, everyone! Lol...Love this read! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys classics, historical fiction, or new stories with old souls as one of my favorite authors puts it!
Characters:
Norvia was the only MC and I loved her! Which, is a lot to say because I don't normally like girl characters, let alone girl leads...but I loved Norvia! (even her name is pretty!!!)
Elton and Casper were great brothers, felt very real...
Dicta was so much fun!
Vernon was complicated and my favorite of the side characters, his struggles and Norvia's...just yes!
Theme:
Learning to be okay with who you are and where you come from...you can only control your actions, not other people's as Uncle Virgil tells us, such a good lesson! I struggled with that for a while, wanting people to see me as popular and just cool, but it's not all it's cracked up to be, and being me, the person God made me to be is more important anyway.
Romance:
Not really anything to mention. Norvia has a crush and thinks about knights in shining armor and the perfect date, but nothing I wouldn't let a 9-year-old read happens, in fact Miss Johnson paints a beautiful picture of waiting till you are older. Enjoying childhood.
Language:
N/A
Overall:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Glad to have it on my shelf! I loved that it mentioned Norvia reading some of my favorite classics!!! That was fun! And I soooooooo hope there is a sequel in store because I want to know the next part of Norvia's story...and Vernon's and see how it all pans out for them both...and Elton, and....well, everyone! Lol...Love this read! Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys classics, historical fiction, or new stories with old souls as one of my favorite authors puts it!
December 7, 2022
A charming historical coming of age story that feels a bit like old girls fiction a la Anne of Green Gables or Little Women. The Star That Always Stays follows an indigenous girl whose mother wants her to hide her Ojibwe heritage and pass as white when she remarries. She is adjusting to a new home, new school, step-family, negative reactions to being the child of a divorcee, and then the typical issues of growing up. Friendship drama, first crush etc. It's a slow-burn but a really lovely story by the end and inspired by the actual ancestors of the author, which is cool. Note that this does have some Christian religious overtones, though it's not terribly heavy-handed. God and prayer are more used in a comforting way. That may be a plus or minus for different people. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
August 8, 2025
See my interview with Anna Rose Johnson here!
-----
I'm not entirely convinced that Johnson didn't peek into my heart and write a novel based on my dearest desires. The Star That Always Stays was completely lovely and I adored every chapter!
The intertextuality is strong with this one, beyond the usual suspects! Of course Jo March and Anne Shirley pop up, but so did a series I hadn't heard of (Patty Fairfield and its sequels by Carolyn Wells) and other contemporary books. Norvia wants to live like a heroine, but also must learn to be true to herself and her heritage.
I would have appreciated a more thorough grounding of religion. They attended a Presbyterian church once, and it's mentioned again but not discussed. The Nelsons have left Catholicism, but there wasn't any indication that any of their beliefs or practices lingered (except in Dicta's self-perception). Bible verses are sprinkled here and there, especially toward the end, and prayer is briefly discussed. As a lover of religion in literature I do wish there was a more thorough engagement with faith in this story...
...which brings me to what could have been an amazing connection: Mary, mother of God and the North Star. Giiwedin'anang/the North Star plays an important background role in the story, and the Virgin Mary has long been associated with the North Star, which in the medieval era was called Stella Maris, star of the sea. It would have been so neat to see this connection made in the story.
The Star That Always Stays is about a blended family at a time when remarriage after divorce was a social taboo. Johnson handled the complexities exquisitely. Each person is given real dimension in how they function in a new way of life, and nothing comes easily. Every central character experiences growth. Only one felt lacking in my opinion.
I'm excited to follow Johnson's career. I love how she writes families and this young heroine, and look forward to the stories she tells in the future!
Consider reading if you like the following...
Rilla of Ingleside
The high school books in the Betsy-Tacy series
Jack and Jill
-----
I'm not entirely convinced that Johnson didn't peek into my heart and write a novel based on my dearest desires. The Star That Always Stays was completely lovely and I adored every chapter!
The intertextuality is strong with this one, beyond the usual suspects! Of course Jo March and Anne Shirley pop up, but so did a series I hadn't heard of (Patty Fairfield and its sequels by Carolyn Wells) and other contemporary books. Norvia wants to live like a heroine, but also must learn to be true to herself and her heritage.
I would have appreciated a more thorough grounding of religion. They attended a Presbyterian church once, and it's mentioned again but not discussed. The Nelsons have left Catholicism, but there wasn't any indication that any of their beliefs or practices lingered (except in Dicta's self-perception). Bible verses are sprinkled here and there, especially toward the end, and prayer is briefly discussed. As a lover of religion in literature I do wish there was a more thorough engagement with faith in this story...
...which brings me to what could have been an amazing connection: Mary, mother of God and the North Star. Giiwedin'anang/the North Star plays an important background role in the story, and the Virgin Mary has long been associated with the North Star, which in the medieval era was called Stella Maris, star of the sea. It would have been so neat to see this connection made in the story.
The Star That Always Stays is about a blended family at a time when remarriage after divorce was a social taboo. Johnson handled the complexities exquisitely. Each person is given real dimension in how they function in a new way of life, and nothing comes easily. Every central character experiences growth. Only one felt lacking in my opinion.
I'm excited to follow Johnson's career. I love how she writes families and this young heroine, and look forward to the stories she tells in the future!
Consider reading if you like the following...
Rilla of Ingleside
The high school books in the Betsy-Tacy series
Jack and Jill
September 18, 2022
This book was such an adorable, Betsy-Tacy-ish story that gave me alllll the childhood vibes. I used to read dozens of books like this, and it was just … the same style. The same vibe.
Granted, it was a little slow, but it can be fun to read something a little slow from time to time. I really enjoyed Norvia. However, my favorite characters were definitely Dicta, Virgil, and Vernon. Unlike others, I didn't REALLY care terribly much for most of the boys running in and out of Norvia's life (non-romantically, which means friends and brothers). Like, they were all right, but none of them, including Aylmer, really interested me. Overall, the family dynamics were AWESOME, though. I was so excited for Novia's new and improved family!! Especially her new big sister. <3 I loved her!
The plot was, as I said, a little slow. Even though it didn't particularly take a long time for the plot to get started, it still had a sloggy feeling. That was just the style of the book, though, and as I said, I didn't mind terribly. It was just worth mentioning that there were definitely some points where I was a little boring. I also really disliked the flashbacks as they always took me out of the story and were difficult to keep track of, despite being dated. I found myself skipping them to get to the "actual story," if you will. (Plus, you know. Despite Norvia's POV and all, I just couldn't buy into caring about her dad or anything related to him. I didn't love her mom, either, but in particular, I wanted to be away from her dad and move into her great new family! Did I mention her new family was great?)
It was also interesting hearing hints of several different cultures in this story, and seeing how, realistically, in the era there wasn't a lot of understanding or respect for different cultures OR for situations like Norvia found herself in (the child of divorced parents). (BUT OH MY GOSH HER STEPFATHER. I'm sorry, Alymer is all right, I guess, but find yourself a man like Norvia's stepdad. And I've honestly forgotten if he was Vernon or Virgil, but anyways, THAT GUY. Though I did like her stepbrother, too. He was basically Colin Lennox. Like, 100%. If you know, you know.)
Anywho, basically, this was an adorable story, and I highly recommend it for middle grade and adult readers. It's great for a nostalgia boost.
Granted, it was a little slow, but it can be fun to read something a little slow from time to time. I really enjoyed Norvia. However, my favorite characters were definitely Dicta, Virgil, and Vernon. Unlike others, I didn't REALLY care terribly much for most of the boys running in and out of Norvia's life (non-romantically, which means friends and brothers). Like, they were all right, but none of them, including Aylmer, really interested me. Overall, the family dynamics were AWESOME, though. I was so excited for Novia's new and improved family!! Especially her new big sister. <3 I loved her!
The plot was, as I said, a little slow. Even though it didn't particularly take a long time for the plot to get started, it still had a sloggy feeling. That was just the style of the book, though, and as I said, I didn't mind terribly. It was just worth mentioning that there were definitely some points where I was a little boring. I also really disliked the flashbacks as they always took me out of the story and were difficult to keep track of, despite being dated. I found myself skipping them to get to the "actual story," if you will. (Plus, you know. Despite Norvia's POV and all, I just couldn't buy into caring about her dad or anything related to him. I didn't love her mom, either, but in particular, I wanted to be away from her dad and move into her great new family! Did I mention her new family was great?)
It was also interesting hearing hints of several different cultures in this story, and seeing how, realistically, in the era there wasn't a lot of understanding or respect for different cultures OR for situations like Norvia found herself in (the child of divorced parents). (BUT OH MY GOSH HER STEPFATHER. I'm sorry, Alymer is all right, I guess, but find yourself a man like Norvia's stepdad. And I've honestly forgotten if he was Vernon or Virgil, but anyways, THAT GUY. Though I did like her stepbrother, too. He was basically Colin Lennox. Like, 100%. If you know, you know.)
Anywho, basically, this was an adorable story, and I highly recommend it for middle grade and adult readers. It's great for a nostalgia boost.
July 8, 2023
Such a lovely story 🥲💛
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July 14, 2022There is so much about this book that I loved.
Because these are the kinds of books I love, middle-grade Christian historical fiction that isn't too light and fluffy, yet it isn't too dark either. A few of my favorite things about the book:
I love how you can relate to Norvia so well, she's a very well-rounded character.
'Kay, maybe it's just because I love almost every single book Norvia compared herself to, but, that always cracked me up. Partly because I used to do it. :'D
The siblings' relationships. . .Gah, I always adore books that have sibling dynamics, and this one didn't disappoint. Dicta especially crack me up, all the energy she has.
Vernon. . .At first, I hated Vernon for how annoying (or mean?) he was being. I loved how he changed throughout the story and how he grew. And by the end, he was one of my favorite characters, since he and Norvia had patched things up, and that we understood why he was acting the way he was.
Aylmer. . . He never failed to crack me up and was quite hilarious. His background was a bit sad, but I love how he and Norvia could relate to each other in that way.
The way it's written. . .I love Anna Rose's writing style, her descriptions are fantastic especially.
This book was fantastic, one of my new favorites. There isn't anything about it that I didn't love--Which is strange, since I am very picky about books. Quite a shock. XD But that just proves how good this book is. :D
June 4, 2022
Such a sweet, adorable, and fun read!! I don't always enjoy middle grade but this one was charming! I wish it had been published when I was younger and more the age of Norvia but even still I loved it!
I am a huge fan of classics, especially ones such as Anne of Green Gables and Pollyanna, so with this book written in that sort of fashion was simply amazing! I loved all the classics mentioned throughout and it has now put me in the mood to dig up some old favorites.
If you love middle grade, classics, and family life, you will love this book!! A very endearing read that I'm sure I'll return to again!
*I recieved an advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a huge fan of classics, especially ones such as Anne of Green Gables and Pollyanna, so with this book written in that sort of fashion was simply amazing! I loved all the classics mentioned throughout and it has now put me in the mood to dig up some old favorites.
If you love middle grade, classics, and family life, you will love this book!! A very endearing read that I'm sure I'll return to again!
*I recieved an advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2024
This is one of the most beautiful blended family stories I’ve read. That was my favorite part of the book. It’s so moving and Uncle Virgil is such a dear, good man. I love Norvia’s relationships with Dicta, Elton, and Vernon in particular, though she is a wonderful character all around. I thought the narrative of Norvia’s time at the high school and her friendships and struggles there was a little bit uneven at times but overall lovely to read about and so relatable. I heard Anna Rose Johnson say on a podcast that she hopes to return to these characters. All I can say is: Please do!
August 27, 2022
Historical slice of life is outside my usual genre, but I enjoyed this! Vernon is definitely my favorite character. He might seem insufferable at times, but he was the MVP. I enjoyed the prose style. It seemed perfect for this book. And even though the external stakes weren't huge, the internal stakes kept me interested in the book the whole way through.
June 21, 2022
Okay, first, I love the cover of this. It's so comforting. And I the title drew me in cause I love stars XD
I'm not much of a slice of life reader and I'm kind of picky about my coming of age and/or contemporary reads. This one isn't strictly contemporary, but nor would I truly consider it historical. It's in that awkward in between phase where the setting isn't quite as old, but nor is it present day any longer. Early 1900s wasn't really so long ago. But this was such a beautiful and gentle little story with a big heart. It was truly a delight to read such a sweet story with an inspirational core. And there is something refreshing about pausing to breathe in a simpler time.
Anna Rose did a beautiful job with her research and really brought the setting and culture alive. In fact, she touches on multiple settings and cultures and weaves them together in one little girl who has to reconcile with the differences that blend together inside her much like her family has to learn to navigate new blended dynamics. Anna Rose does this with a delicate and practiced hand that shows her heart for deep struggles and meaningful topics. I really enjoyed seeing Norvia struggle with her love for her heritage and her desire to fit in and understand and please others. Her growth throughout the story is subtle, but it's precious.
Speaking of the characters, I definitely bought into the family dynamics. I was invested in seeing how the characters would react to one another. And I must admit that I was enchanted especially by Uncle Virgil. It was such a sweet, tentative thing to watch the way he interacted with Norvia and her siblings. I could feel the tension radiating off the siblings, but also that delicate hope that Virgil proved faithful over and over again. His endless patience, generosity, gentleness, and genuine care really won me over. I also really enjoyed Vernon. I'd love to have gotten inside his head. But each interaction with him was precious and beautiful in its own right. Elton was someone I connected easily with and I would have love to see more of him, too. Kitty and Alymer and Louis all stole my heart. And the school dance was everything I'd hoped it would be!
The friendships, the fears, the hope, and the beauty permeate this story. It's a nod to classic literature and a breathe of fresh air that offered a quivering hope to the little girl in me. A delightful new MG that I think many young readers will learn to love easily.
Note: I did receive an ARC from NetGalley--many thanks! And the above are my voluntary and honest thoughts ;)
I'm not much of a slice of life reader and I'm kind of picky about my coming of age and/or contemporary reads. This one isn't strictly contemporary, but nor would I truly consider it historical. It's in that awkward in between phase where the setting isn't quite as old, but nor is it present day any longer. Early 1900s wasn't really so long ago. But this was such a beautiful and gentle little story with a big heart. It was truly a delight to read such a sweet story with an inspirational core. And there is something refreshing about pausing to breathe in a simpler time.
Anna Rose did a beautiful job with her research and really brought the setting and culture alive. In fact, she touches on multiple settings and cultures and weaves them together in one little girl who has to reconcile with the differences that blend together inside her much like her family has to learn to navigate new blended dynamics. Anna Rose does this with a delicate and practiced hand that shows her heart for deep struggles and meaningful topics. I really enjoyed seeing Norvia struggle with her love for her heritage and her desire to fit in and understand and please others. Her growth throughout the story is subtle, but it's precious.
Speaking of the characters, I definitely bought into the family dynamics. I was invested in seeing how the characters would react to one another. And I must admit that I was enchanted especially by Uncle Virgil. It was such a sweet, tentative thing to watch the way he interacted with Norvia and her siblings. I could feel the tension radiating off the siblings, but also that delicate hope that Virgil proved faithful over and over again. His endless patience, generosity, gentleness, and genuine care really won me over. I also really enjoyed Vernon. I'd love to have gotten inside his head. But each interaction with him was precious and beautiful in its own right. Elton was someone I connected easily with and I would have love to see more of him, too. Kitty and Alymer and Louis all stole my heart. And the school dance was everything I'd hoped it would be!
The friendships, the fears, the hope, and the beauty permeate this story. It's a nod to classic literature and a breathe of fresh air that offered a quivering hope to the little girl in me. A delightful new MG that I think many young readers will learn to love easily.
Note: I did receive an ARC from NetGalley--many thanks! And the above are my voluntary and honest thoughts ;)
January 23, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I had heard lovely things about this book and was so excited when my library sent a notification about my hold at long last!
There is something reminiscent of the classics about this story that reminds me of favourite books from my childhood, and all the bookish references were a delight.
The characters were lovely. Vernon was probably my favourite! Dicta grated on my nerves… sorry! 🙈 And Norvia was a sweet girl. I sympathised with her, though struggled to empathise with her at times. However, I do think she would be appreciated by many younger readers!
I was a little confused about the intended audience as this is advertised as middle grade (which I rarely read), and yet with Norvia’s age being 14-15 for most of the book, it struck me as more of a young YA coming-of-age audience. But that could just be me.
All in all, a sweet story that tackles some tough issues (racism & divorce & blended families) along side the regular troubles of growing up!
Content: some of the characters have a Catholic background so there is talk of nuns & the Virgin Mother & attending Mass; a Halloween party with fortune telling but it’s more of a parlour party then anything
I had heard lovely things about this book and was so excited when my library sent a notification about my hold at long last!
There is something reminiscent of the classics about this story that reminds me of favourite books from my childhood, and all the bookish references were a delight.
The characters were lovely. Vernon was probably my favourite! Dicta grated on my nerves… sorry! 🙈 And Norvia was a sweet girl. I sympathised with her, though struggled to empathise with her at times. However, I do think she would be appreciated by many younger readers!
I was a little confused about the intended audience as this is advertised as middle grade (which I rarely read), and yet with Norvia’s age being 14-15 for most of the book, it struck me as more of a young YA coming-of-age audience. But that could just be me.
All in all, a sweet story that tackles some tough issues (racism & divorce & blended families) along side the regular troubles of growing up!
Content: some of the characters have a Catholic background so there is talk of nuns & the Virgin Mother & attending Mass; a Halloween party with fortune telling but it’s more of a parlour party then anything
March 5, 2023
I adored this book! I wasn't sure when you first began but it quickly won me over. It's the stellar cast of characters that made me fall in love with this book. It's also the closest to Betsy-Tacy any book has ever been for me.
July 15, 2022
I enjoyed this sweet novel about family and learning to find joy in difficult situations. It was nice to learn more about this time in history as well as Norvia’s culture and family. I loved all the references to classic stories such as Anne of Green Gables, which I’m currently reading for the first time!
The story has a wonderful, cozy feeling, especially in the memories on Beaver Island. But it also deals with tougher topics like divorce and friends abandoning you, and Anna Rose does a great job of balancing these elements.
One of my favorite characters is Elton, and I love Dicta and Kittie as well. :)
Overall, this is a great book for the family and I can’t wait to see the rest of the stories Anna Rose writes!
The story has a wonderful, cozy feeling, especially in the memories on Beaver Island. But it also deals with tougher topics like divorce and friends abandoning you, and Anna Rose does a great job of balancing these elements.
One of my favorite characters is Elton, and I love Dicta and Kittie as well. :)
Overall, this is a great book for the family and I can’t wait to see the rest of the stories Anna Rose writes!
July 25, 2022
I haven’t read middle grade in forever, so it took me a few chapters to settle into the rhythm. But once I got there, I absolutely adored The Star That Always Stays! It read just as classy as all my old faves like Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, etc. I loved how Norvia gleaned from those stories and applied them to her life. As a person who repeats from books and movies literally all the time, it was relatable. This story was so down to earth, simple, and beautiful. I’m definitely adding it to mist reads for my kids one day. My favorite characters besides Norvia was definitely Dicta, Aylmer, and Vernon. But the whole cast of characters was amazing! As school begins and Autumn approaches, TSTAS will be a perfect cozy, nostalgic book to curl up with.
July 17, 2022
This captivating historical fiction book has a good balance between hope and hardship. I was drawn into the story of Norvia and her broken family as her mom gets remarried and they move to a new town.
I adored Vernon, his grumpy self, and I laughed at Dicta. I also loved the fact that Anna Rose Johnson made Norvia a bookworm and tied in classics with the book.
I recommend The Star That Always Stays to anyone who is looking for a good heartfelt story--one that isn’t dark or fluffy and leaves you with a smile at the end.
I adored Vernon, his grumpy self, and I laughed at Dicta. I also loved the fact that Anna Rose Johnson made Norvia a bookworm and tied in classics with the book.
I recommend The Star That Always Stays to anyone who is looking for a good heartfelt story--one that isn’t dark or fluffy and leaves you with a smile at the end.
November 18, 2022
There were things I enjoyed about this book but then I was suffocated by all the religious Jesus passages. The synopsis said nothing about this being Christian propaganda and it was sooooo saturated with it I nearly drowned. The end was unbearable with the Bible verses and Jesus this and Jesus that and life is only good because of Jesus and having faith I was like why was this not mentioned in the synopsis. Would not have chosen this book had I known it was a love letter to Jesus.
June 18, 2024
shocked by how good this was, binged it in one day. it sat on my bookshelf for four years before i picked it up. i think if i had read this book when i was younger i would have been completely obsessed with it. it felt so comforting and lighthearted, yet it dealt with serious issues. i will definitely be reading this again 🤍
some quotes
⁀➷ “and this was exactly why life never mimicked books—why a girl in the real world could never be a proper heroine!”
⁀➷ ”if it was so easy for fictional girls to take charge of their lives, why did real life sometimes seem so hopeless and unchangeable?”
⁀➷ ”norvia closed her eyes momentarily. ‘i suppose i thought—‘ oh, it sounded so ridiculous now! ‘i wanted to—to be like a heroine in a book,’ she concluded in a murmur. aylmer nodded, as if mulling over the idea. ‘well, maybe i can be your hero.’” this book has my heart ❤️🩹
some quotes
⁀➷ “and this was exactly why life never mimicked books—why a girl in the real world could never be a proper heroine!”
⁀➷ ”if it was so easy for fictional girls to take charge of their lives, why did real life sometimes seem so hopeless and unchangeable?”
⁀➷ ”norvia closed her eyes momentarily. ‘i suppose i thought—‘ oh, it sounded so ridiculous now! ‘i wanted to—to be like a heroine in a book,’ she concluded in a murmur. aylmer nodded, as if mulling over the idea. ‘well, maybe i can be your hero.’” this book has my heart ❤️🩹
July 30, 2022
3/5 stars, an interesting concept but ultimately slow plot
Thank you to Holiday House for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
When I saw that this book focuses on a native american main character, and especially that it focused on her dealing with this in her life, I was so excited. I knew that I had to request this book immediately, being native american I always jump to read books with my culture in them. I feel as though there are not enough in the publishing industry, but it's certainly been getting there over the years. We always need more diversity though, especially for indigenous peoples.
Throughout reading most of this book, I was busy and finishing up my move, so my attention was not as centered on this as I would have liked. This might have led me to feel more disconnected from the story, as that's one of the reasons I gave this 3 stars. However, that is largely a personal problem and the times where I was invested I related greatly to what the main character was going through.
Coming of age is a classic trope used to expose what a certain person goes through as they begin to grow into themselves, and it was used wonderfully here to show the impact of being indigenous. Especially, as the author based this around her family's own history and experiences, which just gave the story all the more of a classic feel. Novia was also a really relatable character outside of her being indigenous, including her anxiety and struggle to find herself in new environments.
Overall, this was a sweet book and one that I highly recommend to others if they want to see a bit more into how being indigenous affects people in america, especially in history. This story has a very sweet and relatable main character that should be able to take your heart easily.
[TW: racial aggression, divorce, loss of a parent, new step-siblings and step-parents, racist comments]
Thank you to Holiday House for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
When I saw that this book focuses on a native american main character, and especially that it focused on her dealing with this in her life, I was so excited. I knew that I had to request this book immediately, being native american I always jump to read books with my culture in them. I feel as though there are not enough in the publishing industry, but it's certainly been getting there over the years. We always need more diversity though, especially for indigenous peoples.
Throughout reading most of this book, I was busy and finishing up my move, so my attention was not as centered on this as I would have liked. This might have led me to feel more disconnected from the story, as that's one of the reasons I gave this 3 stars. However, that is largely a personal problem and the times where I was invested I related greatly to what the main character was going through.
Coming of age is a classic trope used to expose what a certain person goes through as they begin to grow into themselves, and it was used wonderfully here to show the impact of being indigenous. Especially, as the author based this around her family's own history and experiences, which just gave the story all the more of a classic feel. Novia was also a really relatable character outside of her being indigenous, including her anxiety and struggle to find herself in new environments.
Overall, this was a sweet book and one that I highly recommend to others if they want to see a bit more into how being indigenous affects people in america, especially in history. This story has a very sweet and relatable main character that should be able to take your heart easily.
[TW: racial aggression, divorce, loss of a parent, new step-siblings and step-parents, racist comments]
July 16, 2022
I don’t usually read Middle Grade… but honestly, this book blew me away.
I was extremely impressed with the writing style, which was engaging and lovely to read.
The setting was immersive and the descriptions were beautiful.
But what captured my attention most were the characters, who were sympathetic, unique, relatable, and realistic.
A few of my favorite characters were Norvia, Vernon, Vigil, and Dicta (she was so amazing and funny!).
The dynamics between all the characters was also super well done, intriguing and just fun to read.
I could tell the book was throughly researched too and the themes the author tackled were executed masterfully.
Overall, a sweet book that I highly recommend!
I was extremely impressed with the writing style, which was engaging and lovely to read.
The setting was immersive and the descriptions were beautiful.
But what captured my attention most were the characters, who were sympathetic, unique, relatable, and realistic.
A few of my favorite characters were Norvia, Vernon, Vigil, and Dicta (she was so amazing and funny!).
The dynamics between all the characters was also super well done, intriguing and just fun to read.
I could tell the book was throughly researched too and the themes the author tackled were executed masterfully.
Overall, a sweet book that I highly recommend!
July 19, 2022
*I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!*
I don't often read middle grade or historical fiction these days, but I was SO pleasantly surprised by Anna Rose Johnson's The Star That Always Stays.
This is a soulful and emotional story that will be sure to stick with you. It has the same rich, warm feeling of a classic like Little Women or Anne of Green Gables. The characters are so vibrantly lifelike---especially the protagonist, Norvia (who feels like someone Anne would call a kindred spirit)!
Simply the prose alone---that has a light, historically accurate (while not dull) touch---is immediately immersive. Overall, this is SUCH a warm, wholesome book with beautifully handled themes.
I don't often read middle grade or historical fiction these days, but I was SO pleasantly surprised by Anna Rose Johnson's The Star That Always Stays.
This is a soulful and emotional story that will be sure to stick with you. It has the same rich, warm feeling of a classic like Little Women or Anne of Green Gables. The characters are so vibrantly lifelike---especially the protagonist, Norvia (who feels like someone Anne would call a kindred spirit)!
Simply the prose alone---that has a light, historically accurate (while not dull) touch---is immediately immersive. Overall, this is SUCH a warm, wholesome book with beautifully handled themes.
June 27, 2022
The Star That Always Stays is a wholesome read that pulls on the family strings.
Norvia is a very likeable character, along with her siblings. The author does a great job of tying all the characters in with just the right amounts and scenes.
I very much enjoyed Virgil in this story. He’s a very soft and kind man, but he’s not perfect. It was refreshing to read about a man that steps in to fill the gap for Norvia, but he isn’t super-human.
I will be recommending this book to everyone and getting my little sister her very own copy!
Norvia is a very likeable character, along with her siblings. The author does a great job of tying all the characters in with just the right amounts and scenes.
I very much enjoyed Virgil in this story. He’s a very soft and kind man, but he’s not perfect. It was refreshing to read about a man that steps in to fill the gap for Norvia, but he isn’t super-human.
I will be recommending this book to everyone and getting my little sister her very own copy!
July 17, 2022
I absolutely love this story! It’s such a sweet one, and though I don’t usually read middle grade, I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing book! The characters, the message….everything. 5 stars for sure!
And I absolutely love Vernon and Dicta! Such great characters!
And I absolutely love Vernon and Dicta! Such great characters!
May 16, 2024
The story was very interesting. I definitely learn a lot though about Indian culture and their heritage in early 20s after great war one. I like the uncle and Norvia. Though it was a slow pace book, I still enjoy it. It is a good read.
January 4, 2023
This book is a MUST for anyone looking for a middle-grade novel that feels like Anne of Green Gables or Little Women (but that was written recently). In her acknowledgments at the end of the book, Anna lists the authors who have inspired her: L. M. Montgomery, Maud Hart Lovelace, Noel Streatfeild, Elizabeth Enright, Louisa May Alcott, Jeanne Birdsall, and Eleanor Porter—and she does a fantastic job of invoking them and honoring them in her work (without simply copying them).
Our protagonist, Norvia, is a 14-year-old girl who grew up on a secluded island on Lake Michigan with her mom, dad, sister, brothers, grandpa, grandma, and great-grandma in the early 1900s. When her parents split up, she moves with her mother to town, where she's thrust (unwillingly) into a new family situation and (willingly) into high school with all its ups and downs.
Norvia longs to be what she calls a "true heroine." At first, she thinks this means being well-liked. She tries to act the part of a chipper, breezy popular girl, but life weighs down on her. She's self-conscious about the fact that her parents are divorced (at a time when divorce had major social consequences). She's also self-conscious about her peers not accepting her Native American heritage (she's part Ojibwe on her mom's side). She goes through a lot of emotional stuff and eventually realizes that being well-liked isn't what makes you a true heroine.
I really appreciated the book's wholesome honesty. It deals with issues like divorce and racism without making those things the point of the book. The boys behaved like boys and the girls behaved like girls, and the kids behaved like kids, and the parents behaved like parents, and this rang true for me.
And I was SO, SO happy to see that the author did not shy away from leading her readers ALL THE WAY to the actual truth: Jesus Christ. Yep, she presents Jesus Christ as the star that always stays (our families and friends and loved ones are mere reflections of Him). I must give her major credit for this. Most authors can't or won't go that far. This isn't what I'd call a Christian book, but it's rooted in Christian soil, and I'd hand it to any young reader without hesitation.
Our protagonist, Norvia, is a 14-year-old girl who grew up on a secluded island on Lake Michigan with her mom, dad, sister, brothers, grandpa, grandma, and great-grandma in the early 1900s. When her parents split up, she moves with her mother to town, where she's thrust (unwillingly) into a new family situation and (willingly) into high school with all its ups and downs.
Norvia longs to be what she calls a "true heroine." At first, she thinks this means being well-liked. She tries to act the part of a chipper, breezy popular girl, but life weighs down on her. She's self-conscious about the fact that her parents are divorced (at a time when divorce had major social consequences). She's also self-conscious about her peers not accepting her Native American heritage (she's part Ojibwe on her mom's side). She goes through a lot of emotional stuff and eventually realizes that being well-liked isn't what makes you a true heroine.
I really appreciated the book's wholesome honesty. It deals with issues like divorce and racism without making those things the point of the book. The boys behaved like boys and the girls behaved like girls, and the kids behaved like kids, and the parents behaved like parents, and this rang true for me.
And I was SO, SO happy to see that the author did not shy away from leading her readers ALL THE WAY to the actual truth: Jesus Christ. Yep, she presents Jesus Christ as the star that always stays (our families and friends and loved ones are mere reflections of Him). I must give her major credit for this. Most authors can't or won't go that far. This isn't what I'd call a Christian book, but it's rooted in Christian soil, and I'd hand it to any young reader without hesitation.
November 16, 2024
4.5 ✨!
🎀🕯️🍦📚👗🎭💜✨
I loved this book so much! 🥰 The sweet characters, settings and dynamics were my favorite, and it reminded me of many of my favorite reads such as Anne of Green Gables, Betsy-Tacy, and Little Women. 💜 My favorite parts to read were definitely all he family and friend relationships, and getting to learn more about different characters. It also had meaningful, overtly Christian themes, but it wasn’t too preachy or cheesy as similar books often are, which I was so glad for! 🤗 And it was so cool thinking about the fact that these characters were, for the most part, real people! 😉☺️
Favorite charries:
Norvia 🎀
Virgil 💼
Dicta 🎭
Kitty 🫧
Alymer 😏
CWs: Talk of previous deaths, talk of war. One character uses the phrase “half breeds” in reference to Norvia and her French-Ojibwe family. Silly fortune-telling at a Halloween party.
Age level:
Content wise—all ages! 😉
Reading level—10 and up! 🥰
🎀🕯️🍦📚👗🎭💜✨
I loved this book so much! 🥰 The sweet characters, settings and dynamics were my favorite, and it reminded me of many of my favorite reads such as Anne of Green Gables, Betsy-Tacy, and Little Women. 💜 My favorite parts to read were definitely all he family and friend relationships, and getting to learn more about different characters. It also had meaningful, overtly Christian themes, but it wasn’t too preachy or cheesy as similar books often are, which I was so glad for! 🤗 And it was so cool thinking about the fact that these characters were, for the most part, real people! 😉☺️
Favorite charries:
Norvia 🎀
Virgil 💼
Dicta 🎭
Kitty 🫧
Alymer 😏
CWs: Talk of previous deaths, talk of war. One character uses the phrase “half breeds” in reference to Norvia and her French-Ojibwe family. Silly fortune-telling at a Halloween party.
Age level:
Content wise—all ages! 😉
Reading level—10 and up! 🥰
June 8, 2022
*I received an ARC on Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Edelweiss!*
Wow! This story is the sweetest thing ever. Norvia is so cute & honest & relatable. Her dreams of a dashing young knight & fitting in with the girls at school... everything was just so good. I especially love how it all turns out!
It was so fun to watch all the different relationships grow in the story as I got attached. :)
I don't read much Middle Grade but this was BEAUTIFUL & so well done. <3
Wow! This story is the sweetest thing ever. Norvia is so cute & honest & relatable. Her dreams of a dashing young knight & fitting in with the girls at school... everything was just so good. I especially love how it all turns out!
It was so fun to watch all the different relationships grow in the story as I got attached. :)
I don't read much Middle Grade but this was BEAUTIFUL & so well done. <3
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