Newbery Medal
From Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord, a luminous story of unexpected friendship set against Maine’s blueberry barrens. When Lily befriends Salma, a migrant worker’s daughter, their bond is tested by prejudice and belonging. Perfect for readers ready to explore what community truly means.
$8.99
From Newbery Honor and Newbery Medal author Cynthia Lord comes a luminous story about unexpected friendship, belonging, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.
When Lily’s blind dog Lucky bolts across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it’s Salma Santiago—daughter of migrant workers—who catches him. What begins as a chance encounter blossoms into a transformative friendship as the two girls spend their days painting bee boxes for Lily’s grandfather and exploring the salty coastline together.
But when Salma decides to enter the town’s Blueberry Queen pageant, their friendship faces its greatest test. Should someone from “away” really compete for a crown that’s always belonged to locals? As summer unfolds against the backdrop of endless berry fields and crashing waves, Lily and Salma must navigate questions about prejudice, identity, and what it truly means to belong.
Lord’s A Handful of Stars captures the essence of small-town Maine with vivid sensory detail—the tang of sea air, the purple-stained fingers of harvest season, the warmth of genuine connection. This powerful middle-grade novel tackles difficult themes with grace and authenticity, making it perfect for young readers ready to explore complex questions about fairness, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
Ideal for readers who loved Rules and families seeking meaningful conversations about inclusion and community.
Lord's keen eye for the details of the natural world and her ability to capture the complexities of friendship make this a thoughtful, engaging read.
Lord, a Newbery Honor winner for Rules, skillfully addresses prejudice and racism through Lily's first-person narrative, which is accessible and sensitively wrought.
This gentle story about prejudice and friendship will resonate with middle grade readers.
The story of friendship and community is told with grace and honesty.
Readers will appreciate this thoughtful, well-crafted exploration of prejudice and acceptance.
| Weight | 0.30 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.25 × 0.50 × 7.50 in |
| Fiction Type | |
| Book Author | |
| Subject | Animals, Dogs, Friendship, Hispanic & Latino, Juvenile Fiction, People & Places, Prejudice & Racism, Social Themes, United States |
| Accolade |
12 Perkins Cove Rd,
Ogunquit, ME 03907
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