With a Star in My Hand: Rubén Darío, Poetry Hero

Reach for this book when your teenager feels like an outsider or is struggling to process family rejection through a creative lens. This lyrical verse novel tells the true story of Rubén Darío, a Nicaraguan boy who was abandoned by his parents and raised by relatives, eventually finding his place in the world through the power of his pen. It is a deeply moving exploration of how art can serve as a bridge between loneliness and belonging. While the story touches on themes of grief and abandonment, it is ultimately a celebration of resilience and the birth of a literary revolution. Written in evocative poetry by Margarita Engle, the book is highly accessible for middle and high schoolers. It provides a sophisticated yet gentle way for parents to discuss cultural identity, the importance of finding one's unique voice, and the reality that our beginnings do not define our potential.