The Stars Beneath Our Feet
Product ID: 104377494
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"The right story at the right time. . . . It’s not just a narrative; it’s an experience. It’s the novel we’ve been waiting for." — The New York Times A boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brother’s death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity. ** WINNER OF THE CORETTA SCOTT KING–JOHN STEPTOE AWARD FOR NEW TALENT! ** SIX STARRED REVIEWS! It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward. His path isn’t clear—and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape—and an unexpected bridge back to the world. David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge—of adolescence, of grief, of violence—and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors. MORE PRAISE FOR THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET: A New York Times Notable Book A Time Top 10 Children's Books of the Year A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of the Year A Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of the Year An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick An ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book “ A fast and furious read in which we meet some amazing people, people that stay with us. David Barclay Moore is an exciting new voice. We definitely haven’t heard the last of his brilliance.” —Jacqueline Woodson, Newbery Honor and National Book Award–winning of Brown Girl Dreaming “ The Stars Beneath Our Feet is about the weight of the world on the back of a child, and the creative tools necessary to alleviate that pressure. I found myself rooting for Lolly, and you will too.” —Jason Reynolds, Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner for As Brave As You Review: The Stars Beneath Our Feet review - This is my first novel by this author and I loved this story. The development of these characters, the friendship and the powerful message in this novel. All was magnificent! This was a great read from David Barclay Moore. Review: Yes language, but true and important - I listened to this book and my 13yo daughter read it. Yes, it is more appropriate for the YA age group. However, having worked in inner city schools and with kids exactly like this, it is their reality. The violence, language and life challenges are real. Those kids see this every single day, it doesn't wait for when they are old enough to deal with it. There are reviews about the N word, of course we know this is not to be used, but come on people, the kids use it all the time. The content in this book is real life for so many. Instead of shying away from it, let us get uncomfortable and raise questions with our kids, help them work through these tough issues. This book has a beautiful story of choosing your own path, not just going with the norms. It addresses tough subjects, some of which are not brought up in other books of the same theme. The idea that adults make bad decisions and they can apologize, that kids can find a new way, that friendships can help bridge new hope. This book is wonderful. Beautiful story of friendship and learning to accept the person you can actually be when you go for it! Bravo!
| Best Sellers Rank | #27,905 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #55 in Children's Books on Death & Dying #97 in Children's Black & African American Story Books #1,270 in Children's Friendship Books |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,180 Reviews |
A**R
The Stars Beneath Our Feet review
This is my first novel by this author and I loved this story. The development of these characters, the friendship and the powerful message in this novel. All was magnificent! This was a great read from David Barclay Moore.
N**E
Yes language, but true and important
I listened to this book and my 13yo daughter read it. Yes, it is more appropriate for the YA age group. However, having worked in inner city schools and with kids exactly like this, it is their reality. The violence, language and life challenges are real. Those kids see this every single day, it doesn't wait for when they are old enough to deal with it. There are reviews about the N word, of course we know this is not to be used, but come on people, the kids use it all the time. The content in this book is real life for so many. Instead of shying away from it, let us get uncomfortable and raise questions with our kids, help them work through these tough issues. This book has a beautiful story of choosing your own path, not just going with the norms. It addresses tough subjects, some of which are not brought up in other books of the same theme. The idea that adults make bad decisions and they can apologize, that kids can find a new way, that friendships can help bridge new hope. This book is wonderful. Beautiful story of friendship and learning to accept the person you can actually be when you go for it! Bravo!
W**R
Great book highly recommend
Great book to read for teenagers
T**N
Strong Voice-Well Written-Wimpy Ending
With writing that is as much raw as it is honest, Moore draws the reader into a Harlem family rampant with issues. Divorce, gang activity, loss of a child, autism, and poverty thread throughout the book, but this is not a bleak read. No, it encourages the reader to do what is right even if it is hard. It reminds the reader that though it may feel as if you are alone, we really are all connected. And The Stars Beneath Our Feet is a nod to creativity, to uniqueness, to being open to all types of people, as well as a love song to poetry and the strength of the teacher-student bond. I loved the narration-Lolly is a remarkable young man. My one complaint, if it is one, is the final sentence in the book. It reminded me of how I teach my kids to write their personal narratives-to end strongly with what Nancie Atwell calls a "so-what." In my humble opinion, Moore is capable of more than a ten year old's 1-2 punch. "...when you die, they bury you, but your soul flies to the stars. Your mama, your daddy-they were buried under the ground, but they're stars now, girl, stars beneath our feet." "I had learned it was better to share your stuff. You get back more than you think you would." "Sometimes, Wallace...you just do what you know is right, even if it seems dumb at the time." "...I had learned the most important thing: the decisions you make can become your life. Your choices are you."
Y**.
a unique view into youth living in the projects
Very touching story. Super inspiring and very relatable, clear message about consequences to your actions - no matter how ‘bad’ you have it
D**.
The Arts, via LEGO creations, help a troubled 12 year-old find a better life!
This book deals with a very difficult subject; a 12 year-old boy loses his older brother to gun violence; but it is still a very hopeful book. There are so many things that are wrong in this boy's world, but there are people who are trying to help him navigate his way through the hardship and despair to find a path to a better life than the one that caused his brother's death. I think this book should be required reading for all of our elected officials, who think that people live in poverty because they don't try to better their lives. This book shows that it's easier said than done. To the mom who stopped reading it to her son: keep reading it. It may make your son aware of how "the other half lives", and make him compassionate for the less fortunate.
J**E
Book review
Great book; my sons loved it
E**M
Grandchildren couldn’t wait to read this book
Awesome book to readers
A**R
Really good book!
Great book. Worth a read.
S**H
Excellent read!
Bought this for my 11 yr old and he was super appreciative. Said he could really relate, the story was gripping and he couldn’t put the book down. Thank you to the author for creating such a great story!
P**R
sensitive exploration of race with lots of Lego
Good story, not the standard cast of characters, not the standard ways to deal with gang pressure, peer pressure, and being non-neurotypical, with an ending that's not too pat and not too happy. I enjoyed it.
A**R
Grandson loved the book
Excellent
P**E
good book
My son really liked this
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