Every Soul a Star

Wendy Mass's 'Every Soul a Star' is a heartwarming novel told from the alternating first-person perspectives of three distinct middle schoolers: Ally, a homeschooled astronomy enthusiast; Bree, a popular girl obsessed with appearance; and Jack, a shy, overweight boy. Their lives intersect at a remote campsite, 'The Moon Shadow,' where they are all destined to witness a total solar eclipse. Each character grapples with significant life changes, from moving and starting new schools to body image issues and social anxieties. Through their unlikely friendship and the shared experience of the eclipse, they learn about self-acceptance, the importance of inner beauty, and finding belonging. This book is ideal for children aged 9-14, offering rich character development and gentle exploration of pre-teen challenges.