Wise beyond her years Stella struggles to get by with her family during the Great Depression when progress seems to be coming, but not for everyone. Stella's inquisitive nature, resilient spirit, and compassionate attitude help her family thrive against trials and tribulation.

One night 11 year old Stella and her little brother Jojo wake up to see nine robed figures dressed all in white with hoods over their heads across the pond from their house burning a wooden cross. What are they up to? How will the black families deal with the situation? The author was inspired to write this book after coming across the diary of her grandmother, who although she had been forced to stop going to school in fifth grade, wrote every night by the light of the moon. It gives readers a taste of what it was like growing up in the segregated south. — Mary S., Eden Prairie Library

This book is very touching. At first glance it isn't very appealing, but once you start reading, it captures your heart.
11 year old Stella, (the protagonist), is dealing with her everyday life when a neighbor's house gets burned down by a racist group. Then her life takes on new twists and turns as she has to face her and her community's race as her life changes.
I love this book! I could not put it down! I think that Sharon .M Draper has weaved a heartwarming and touching story that will capture the hearts of readers.

I think Stella by Starlight is an astonishing book. It's very touching and inspirational but, I subjectively did not appreciate the ending because to me, it seemed hastened and not very appealing but, I adored how it was about a community of black people, who came together to show people that the color of your skin doesn't make you any more complex; How they did not give up after all that had happened. This book is suitable for 11-year olds to adulthood. I think Stella by Starlight is a wondrous book and you should read it!

Awesome Book At First I Thought The Book Would Be Boring But I Enjoyed It Very Much!

Another compelling story by Sharon Draper, this one based on her family's history. The characters in this really make the events of living in segregation hit home - a great choice to share for Black History month.

Set in a fictional NC town in the 1930's this book starts off with Stella and her brother witnessing a burning cross in their backyard, and becoming aware of the Klan becoming active in their community in the weeks leading up to the presidential election. While community and family are definitely the focus of this novel, as is Stella's struggle to improve as a writer, the treatment of historical events is also really well-drawn, and handled appropriately for the intended (middle-grade) audience. Nicely done.
Plus, the author is just awesome.