Publication August 20, 2024
Despite a rather somber mood throughout, this book ends on a hopeful note. Drawing from the author's own experiences, it tells the story of how sudden war impacts one young girl and her mother. The tone, both in mood and illustrations, tends toward darkness but the star in the window shines forth and gives hope. The text is succinct, no wasted words, while the illustrations help convey the confusion and unease of being forced from their home, forced to find shelter where they not only seem to know no one but don't speak the language. One illustrations clearly shows how frustrated and blank one must feel looking at signage in foreign locations, not even sure what sort of store/shop/business may be housed there. Check out that same location later in the book.
The one consistent besides her mother and the star, seems to be the presence of the girl's musical instrument. She's seen alone with it in the new location than, as time passes, she seems to have found a friends that she shares a passion for music with. As she heads home, she is somehow reassured by the star shining from their window, a sign of hope for her and her mother. I liked that the book made a point of showing the mother's difficulties, too, how the war and move changed her as well as her daughter. As noted, the story is conveyed as much by the artwork as words, so be sure to take note of what you're seeing as well as reading.
There is nothing simple about either this book or the impact of war and displacement on people. My thanks to #NetGalley and #Wm.B.EerdmansPublishingCompany for sharing this heartfelt look at how, despite change, like a star, hope can shine through. This would make a lovely addition to school libraries and is one that could open up conversations between adults and children about current events.
No comments:
Post a Comment