The Boy and the Secret of the Stars
SYNOPSIS: Eight-year-old Eli makes a wish on a twilight star and is whisked away on an outer space adventure. Guided by Cygnus, a star boy from the Swan Constellation, they meet the captivating Princess of Glitterland, who tells him to direct all his questions to the Star Maker. But when sinister Glizzards capture them en route, Eli wonders if he will ever learn the secret of the stars and find his way back to his home on Earth.
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Reviews
Review by Emily-Jane Hills Orford - 5/5
Have you ever made a wish upon a star on a clear summer night? Has the wish come true? What if the wish sent you on an intergalactic adventure? In Victoria Gail Oltarsh’s The Boy and The Secret of the Stars, young Eli makes such a wish. He meets a star boy, Cygnus, and a princess, all on a grand quest to find answers about the meaning of the universe, how far it goes and so much more. “Wishing has great power,” he soon discovers and he does find some answers, but the most profound answer is that he shares a special bond with his brother, Jake, and he knows the importance of following his dreams, just like their father always said.
Victoria Gail Oltarsh’s early chapter book, The Boy and The Secret of the Stars, is a fascinating read that will attract even the most resistant young reader. The language is simple to help youngsters follow along easily and to improve their reading skills. The narrative is well constructed with just enough description to set the stage without overwhelming the young reader. Dialogue is used effectively and the plot moves along quickly. Eli doesn’t find all the answers he seeks, but there are key messages in this simple, yet exciting story: messages about family, friends, following one’s dreams, and, perhaps most importantly, that even though we might be different in many ways, we really are all the same. At the end of each chapter, the author quotes a key point that was made in the chapter. For example, Eli’s response in the last chapter reiterates the importance of recognizing our differences while accepting our sameness: “Even though we are different, you and I are really the same.” I loved the story and the illustrations.
Review by Diana Lopez - 5/5
Following our dreams and keeping hope enables us to overcome difficulties. When children learn these lessons and trust in themselves, they gain the courage to achieve great things. In The Boy and The Secret of the Stars, Victoria Gail Oltarsh shares these ideas through the story of Eli. He likes to observe the stars and constellations. One night, Eli accompanies his older brother Jake to a skateboard competition in Central Park. While Jake competes, Eli contemplates the sky. Thus arises his longing and desire to know what lies beyond the stars. Suddenly, he is transported into space, where he meets Cygnus and the princess of Glitterland. With their help, Eli embarks on an exciting adventure in search of the Star Maker, hoping to find answers to all his questions.
I loved Victoria Gail Oltarsh's narrative style. She describes a wide range of fantastical settings with unique atmospheres. Her words are beautiful and inspiring, encouraging a belief in dreams and a desire to explore the unknown. The descriptions are clear and concise, capturing the characters' emotions accurately. I liked Eli for the way he highlights values such as friendship, loyalty, and family togetherness. Despite the challenges he faces, he has faith in himself, which is inspiring. And although his story begins slowly, it quickly takes on a dynamic pace. I also loved the illustrations by LaLita Olivia King; they are colorful and have a unique touch of mysticism. The Boy and The Secret of the Stars is a fun story that will encourage young readers never to stop dreaming.