Book Review: The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson

“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.”

Goodreads blurb for The Star That Always Stays

Review:

When Norvia’s mother remarries, she moves from the island where she was allowed to celebrate her Ojibwe heritage to the city. Suddenly, she’s being told to hide the fact that she’s Native, including from her stepfather and brother. Adapting to city life isn’t easy, but Norvia remains optimistic. 

This was a sweet story, but I did struggle with it. Aside from some attitudes and situations that signaled a historical setting, the voice and dynamics felt more modern. I also felt the pacing was off. I picked this up knowing it was a Christian book, but religious topics weren’t mentioned until the second half of the book and it felt shoehorned in, ultimately deviating from the initial plot. 

I wouldn’t have realized it was a Christian book if I hadn’t seen it on a curated list, so I understand why several of the reviews mention being surprised. I am someone who wants full disclosure when advertising a book (because if not for that list, I wouldn’t have been as likely to pick this up as there’s no indication of the Christian content in the blurb — I don’t understand this new trend of withholding information (an issue across genres) as it only leads to increased negative reviews and not finding the right audience). 

I appreciate the inspiration for the story as well as the message, but I recognize that being a middle grade book, I’m not the target audience. That’s fine. I would recommend it to a younger reader. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• A sweet story for young readers with some educational elements.

What I didn’t like:

• Odd pacing, especially concerning the Christian elements of the story.
• I found that the voices of the characters didn’t match the time period.

Afterthoughts:

I’d hoped to enjoy this book more, but I appreciated it for what it was.

Where to buy the book: