These Unlucky Stars

 These Unlucky Stars

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       December 28, 2021

 

Author  Gillian McDunn.

Distributor:      Bloomsbury Children's Books
ISBN:                 9781526640857
Publisher:         Bloomsbury Children's Books
Release Date:   November 2021  

Website:    https://www.bloomsbury.com 

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Annie is a lonely girl. Her mother left the family and with just her father and brother in the house, she feels the family is lopsided. To complicate matters, her brother is a model student, competent and kindly. Annie on the other hand is a dreamer, who loves to sit on the roof outside her window and daydream about the distant mountains. When she is not dreaming, the girl sketches and draws. This is not the way to develop friendships, and to socialise.

Moving into year seven means that Annie must become more independent and aware. By mistake, the girl meets a neighbour, who has had an accident, and she begins to care for her. Overcoming a fear of dogs, and dealing with a grumpy old woman challenges Annie, along with her sadness at having no friends, and seeing herself as unlucky.

As the story unfolds, we begin to see that Annie has talked herself into believing that she is unlucky. Gradually she becomes aware that life presents good and bad challenges, and it is how we face these that is important. These Unlucky Stars deals with loss and courage, friendship, and loyalty. It also shows how we are all different and that is to be celebrated too.

These Unlucky Stars is an entertaining story with a moderately complex text for older readers to enjoy. It shows that we can all change the way we think no matter how old, and that making friends and listening to people helps us see the world differently.

Childrens