A Star Shines Through

"Encouraging empathy and understanding, this illuminating picture book offers a realistic account of finding oneself in a new place and shines a light on the healing power of hope." -- Booklist (STARRED REVIEW)

"A beautiful tale of loss and adjustment; for those who have never had to leave home, perhaps a lesson in insight and empathy. Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW)

"Beautifully crafted and warmly empathetic." -- Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

A poignant story about a displaced family making a home in the aftermath of war.

?We used to live in a big city. In our apartment window was a star-shaped lamp, shining through the cold. I could recognize home from far away. But then the war began, and we left for another country. Everything is different here--the food, the language, even Mom and me. Today Mom bought us a package of scissors, glue, and cardboard. Can we make this place feel a little more like home?

Narrated by a young refugee, A Star Shines Through illustrates the long process of healing with an evocative palette of blues and yellows. This resonant book shows how making art can create a sense of hope and belonging, even in a new and different place.

Author: Anna Desnitskaya
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Published: 08/20/2024
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.81lbs
Size: 10.89h x 8.48w x 0.38d
ISBN: 9780802856319
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2024
School Library Journal 07/01/2024 pg. 56
Booklist 08/01/2024 pg. 68
Publishers Weekly 08/19/2024
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2024 pg. 47

About the Author
Anna Desnitskaya is the author-illustrator of On the Edge of the World (Eerdmans), The Apartment: A Century of Russian History (Abrams), and many other books for young readers. In 2018, she was Russia's nominee for the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world's largest award for children's literature. Amid the turmoil in Russia in 2022, Anna and her family made the decision to leave their longtime home of Moscow. After spending several months in Israel, they have currently settled in Montenegro. Follow Anna on Instagram @anyadesnitskaya.