Girl Made of Stars
on Goodreads (28,911)
What’s inside...
Mara's twin brother Owen is accused of rape by her friend Hannah, leaving Mara torn between her loyalty to her brother and her own sense of right and wrong. As Mara navigates this difficult situation, she must also confront her own past trauma and reevaluate her relationship with her ex-girlfriend and best friend, Charlie. The novel addresses complex issues such as consent, victim blaming, and sexual assault with sensitivity and openness.
Age
13-14
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mara
Charlie
Hannah
Owen
Discussion points
How do you think Mara felt when she learned about the accusations against her twin brother?
What does the story teach us about trust and honesty in relationships?
Why do you think it's important for Mara to express her feelings through her photography?
How do the different characters in the book handle conflict, and what can we learn from them?
In what ways do you think support from friends and family is important when dealing with tough situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Mara's shoes and why.
Discuss the importance of honesty and how it can affect relationships, drawing parallels with real-life scenarios.
Highlight the therapeutic nature of art, like Mara’s photography, and encourage your child to express feelings through creative outlets.
Take the opportunity to talk about conflict resolution and the importance of open communication in solving problems.
Reinforce the significance of support systems, asking your child about who they turn to when they need help and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Mara, deals with complex personal and family issues, providing a narrative that explores understanding different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect feelings, both their own and others', helping to foster compassionate relationships with peers and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Mara demonstrates resilience as she navigates her twin brother being accused of a serious crime, teaching readers about staying strong during difficult times.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the strength to overcome personal obstacles and the understanding that perseverance is key in challenging times.
Example Lesson: Importance of Truth and Justice
Explanation: As Mara seeks the truth about the accusation against her brother, the story highlights the significance of honesty and striving for justice.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of truthfulness and the impact it has on fairness and integrity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Internal Conflict
Explanation: Mara's internal struggle with her feelings about family loyalty versus ethical integrity is a central theme, showing how personal conflicts can be managed.
Real-World Application: This provides a framework for children to handle their own internal conflicts and understand that it is okay to have conflicting feelings.
Example Lesson: Support Systems and Seeking Help
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mara relies on friends and other support systems to cope, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to understand that reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness, and that supportive relationships are crucial during hard times.