Star in the Forest by Laura Resau: When eleven-year-old Zitlally's father is stopped for speeding, discovered to be illegal and deported to Mexico, life becomes harder than ever for her family. Mama, always worried, must work all the time to support her and her sisters. Zitlally gradually makes friends with neighbor Crystal, a girl who makes up wild stories to cope with problems of her own, and together they adopt Star, a skinny abandoned dog they find chained up in the "forest" surrounding their trailer park -- which is not trees but heaps of rusted car parts. But the dog is more than just a friend and comfort. Zitlally comes to believe he's a special animal like the ones from Papa's stories, an animal whose fate is tied to a human's. In this case, Papa's. When Star disappears, the two girls must find and save him because Zitlally is certain this will mean a favorable outcome for Papa as well. This well-written book would make a good classroom choice and is truly accessible to mid-graders. Includes a note about Mexico-to-US immigration and two glossaries.
To be entered in the drawing:
- Comment on this post anytime from now through Sunday, August 15.
- For an additional entry, become a follower of this blog and mention that in the comment. Ditto if you already are a follower.
- For an additional entry, post a link to this contest and give the URL in either the same or a separate comment. In this category, you can enter as many times as you have cyber-places to post the contest.
Winner will be announced
Monday, August 16.
So, come one, come all--and meanwhile have a great day in the world of books.
15 comments:
That sounds like a great book! I'll post a link to your contest in my sidebar.
I hope you're having a great week, Marcia!
I have not heard of this book, Marcia, and it sounds just like my cup of tea (also my kiddos') so would love my name to be thrown in the pot.
Thank you.
Wow , I would love to read the book. Sounds very like what a lot of my friends went through to get to america and their lifestyles.
Susan, Vijaya, and Henry -- Thanks for entering. I'm more and more amazed all the time how many new books and authors are out there to discover. Have a great weekend!
It sounds like a lovely read, Marcia!
I recently cataloged this book for Cherry Creek Schools and wished I could sneak it home in my book bag.
Thanks for adding my name to the mix.
Jessica Swaim
Glad you entered, Sharon and Jessica. :)
I'd like to check it out too. And I'm posting a link on my blog today!
Hi Bish! Thanks for entering and posting on your blog. :)
Hi! Marcia,
This book giveaway looks very interesting. I love the cover illustration. I am a student of your through the Institute of Childrens Literature. I have enjoyed your site very mcuh, and visit it often for inspiration. you pics are amazing. College grads, WOW! I just had a High-School grad, and today was her first day into college UWG in Carrollton, GA. She was very nervous, so was/am I. Thank-you for such a great website for all to view.
Hi, Kim! I love the cover art too. It has the look of an impressionist painting. Thanks for visiting the blog and commenting! I hope your daughter's college career gets off to a wonderful start.
I've just finished reading Sounder for the first time in ages, and this book reminds me just a little of it. I was a cat person growing up, but for some reason, books about dogs were my favorites, especially Old Yeller and Savage Sam. I would definitely read this one!
Mary -- I liked books about dogs too. I'm a cat person now, but as a child I wheeled stuffed dogs in my doll buggy instead of dolls. :)
Count me in, I've just followed your blog.
Thank you!
Hi, Kimberly. Thanks for entering. :)
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