Star in the Forest

by Laura Resau

Book Overview

Addresses the challenges undocumented immigrants face in the United States through a story about family, friendship and love.Zitlatlly and her friend find a runaway dog in the forest near the trailer... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385737920
• ISBN13: 9780385737920
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Delacorte Press
• Length: 149 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Star in the Forest: Ideas on Immigration for Elementary Students

I teach in a very diverse school, full of a range of ethnicities. I absolutely love the way these students are able to look at each other and notice more similarities among them than differences, but finding books that represent the different groups can sometimes be challenging. I always feel like we are in need of some books featuring Latino characters and have to look hard to find some books written at the elementary level for my students. Laura Resau has written some YA novels that I have enjoyed, but I had not read anything written for elementary students until today when I enjoyed Star in the Forest. This book is not very long, preventing students from becoming overwhelmed by it. Zitlally is an immigrant child, sharing the story of her father's deportation to Mexico. She and Crystal, her neighbor, start a friendship and find a dog, Star, in a "forest" of rusty and old cars that they need to take care of. Crystal creates outlandish stories about her own father that Zitlally is able to recognize for the tales they are, as Crystal yearns for her father to get out of prison. Zitlally's own father is trying to come back to America and her mother is working many jobs in an attempt to earn money for his return. When he is kidnapped by the coyotes her mother hires to get him across the border Zitlally and her family must come up with even more money to ensure her father's safety. I have already ordered this one for my school library, knowing that many of my students may have their own experiences about immigrating to the United States. Resau includes information at the novel's end about the process of immigration and asks for readers to engage on an online discussion about a way for the current practices to be changed. This is definitely a thought provoking book, appealing to many readers in my school.

An Excellent Discussion Tool

In Star in the Forest, Laura Resau uses beautiful language and endearing characters to tell a compelling story about family, friendship and unconditional love. Resau addresses real life issues with compassion, including the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants living in the United States. This book is a must-read for youth and adults. It provides many excellent opportunities for discussion.

Zitlally is a Star

Zitlally is the best child narrator I have read in years. She is smart and funny, perceptive and caring, big-hearted and wise. She tells the story of an illegal family and a child caught between worlds (and languages) with more honesty and insight than you'll find anywhere else. I will give this book to my nieces and nephew. It's a great gift for children and families who aren't afraid to discuss difficult topics like immigration, class, and race, and the writing is beautiful.