When crisis hits, a young girl becomes the only one left to take care of her family
Pride, Nightingale and Baby are the Stars. Orphaned and living with their grandfather, Old Finn, in rural Minnesota, the children, like their grandfather, are wary of outsiders. They believe, as Old Finn taught them, in self-reliance.
But then Old Finn falls seriously ill and is taken to the hospital all the way in Duluth, leaving the children to fend for themselves. Pride, as oldest, assumes the lead. Though she makes mistakes, she keeps them afloat; they even earn money for the bus trip to Duluth. But when they finally see Old Finn, he can´t walk or even say his own name, and Pride knows her days of keeping safe the Stars are drawing to a close. Self-reliance can´t make Old Finn well again. But maybe, just maybe, a secret from Old Finn´s past might make a way for them to stay together after all.
A poignant story about family and love, Sheila O´Connor has delivered another extraordinary and mesmerizing tale.
When crisis hits, a young girl becomes the only one left to take care of her family. O'Connor has delivered a poignant story about family and love.
Praise for Keeping Safe the Stars: Midwest Booksellers Choice Award ★ "[A] story filled with adventure, suspense, and family drama . . .
A thought-provoking page-turner."
- Publishers Weekly,
starred review ★ “Family loyalty, stubbornness and love in a . . .
totally satisfying blend.” -
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “The
characters are well-developed and authentic, and their resourcefulness and fierce family loyalty are admirable. Set during the last few days of Nixon’s administration,
Keeping Safe the Stars brings up questions of morality and explores the notion of trying to do what is best for one’s family.”
- VOYA,
starred review“
A compelling story about what it means to love fiercely.” –
Booklist “[I]t’s
a marvel to watch these three children band together — and to be there when they, and Old Finn, realize that even the most fiercely independent of us will eventually have to rely on other people to make it through.”
- New York Times Sunday Book Review 