Every Soul a Star

I read this book when I was a child and loved it. Stories centered around nature and the night sky have always been some of my favorites. A year ago, I stumbled upon this book again at a store and had to buy it. Sometimes it's nice just to pick a children's book and enjoy a good story.

Moon Shadow is a campground set in the middle of nowhere that so happens to be the perfect place to see the upcoming solar eclipse. The owners, a middle aged couple with two homeschooled children, knew this when they bought the site as they are both avid nature lovers. Their daughter Ally, grew up on the campground from the age of four and has never had a normal life. She loves Moon Shadow and plans on taking over the campground when she is older. Yet this young girl's life plan to stay on Moon Shadow forever is abruptly ruined when her parents talk of selling the campground to another family. This other family has a daughter Ally's age named Bree. Bree, like Ally, loves her home and tries desperately to convince her parents to abandon their plans to move. Unlike Ally, Bree does not like nature or camping and would much rather spend her free time in the mall trying to become a model. Jack, an awkward and shy boy is struggling in science. When the opportunity arises for him to see the solar eclipse to get out of summer school, Jack reluctantly accepts. He will help his teacher lead a group of eclipse chasers to Moon Shadow campground and guide them on how to use some of the equipment for viewing the cosmic event. When the three young people come together, they become unlikely friends, each offering something unique to their friend group. The story is told through the three perspectives, with the author doing a wonderful job portraying each person in a unique way.

I really do love this book. It brings together so many important themes and topics like family, friendship, change and the beauty of nature. I highly recommend this book to children upper elementary and older. Of course, this book is also wonderful for adults who want a delightful read.

~Abigail C.