The Stars Beneath our Feet Discussion Questions and review written by Hannah Gottschalk-Lineman on 7/26/2021
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Know Before You Read The Stars Beneath Our Feet
Book: The Stars Beneath our Feet
Author and Illustrator: David Barclay Moore
Pages: 288
Published: 2017
Age Suggestion: 12+ (10+ if read aloud with adult)
Themes: coming of age, death of a loved one, students on the autism spectrum, grief, same sex relationships, drugs/gangs
Warnings: Lolly grows up in NYCHA housing in Harlem and is exposed to many things that may be troubling or difficult for young children to understand. This includes drugs, gangs, guns, and tragically the violent death of his brother. Although these topics are handled in an age-appropriate manner for children 12+ (and are in no way glorified) parents should be aware of this content.
Quick The Stars Beneath Our Feet Book Summary:
Twelve year old Wallace Rachpaul, affectionately known as “Lolly,” is dealing with the tragic loss of his older brother. His only escape from grief–and the neighborhood troublemakers who threaten and harass him– is building with his legos. When his lego collection becomes too large for his apartment, he moves to the after school community center where he creates an amazing lego universe, makes some unlikely friends, and learns about life.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet Review: (some light Spoilers)
–Why Read The Stars Beneath Our Feet–
Lolly shows inspirational resilience throughout the novel. He deals with many issues relevant to middle school aged students from many walks of life including divorced parents, parents dating, rocky friendships, and peer pressure. Throughout the book both kids and adults make mistakes or mishandle situations, this provides an opportunity to talk about how to handle a variety of situations that students may face. This book provides opportunities to discuss a variety of topics, and would be especially interesting to kids who love legos, drawing, playing the violin, or live in NYC.
-Characters–
Wallace “Lolly”
Our protagonist, Lolly, is a dynamic and engaging character. He is a great role model as he deals with the loss of his older brother. Moore gives us raw insight into the mind of a twelve-year-old boy who struggles with the loss of his older brother. Lolly really blossoms as the story unfolds and he often acts with profound wisdom and kindness.
Vega
Vega is Lolly’s best friend and neighbor. As anyone who has ever been twelve years old can tell you friendships can ebb and flow as crushes, schedules, and interests change. Vega and Lolly are no different, but when it matter most they stand by each other and ultimately their friendship saves Vega from making a potentially life altering mistake. This relationship serves to teach that having good friends and influences in your life can make all the difference.
Rosamund “Big Rose”
Big Rose is misunderstood. Her large size and undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder make her an outcast and target for pranks. Something changes when she start to build with Lolly’s legos. Lolly and Rose build a beautiful friendship that proves that everyone has something in common. Rose’s character also provides an interesting conversation starter about the level of support that special needs children and adults should be entitled to.
-Setting-
The Book is set in Harlem, near where I live now, so I enjoyed the references to specific locations throughout Manhattan and the Bronx that are familiar to me. As a former coordinator for the Harlem Children’s Zone it is clear that author David Barclay Moore is knowledgeable about the neighborhood as well as the stories of kids like Lolly who grow up in the heart of Harlem.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet Discussion Questions
- Lolly and Vega make an exceedingly difficult decision not to join in any “crews.” Have you ever felt pressured by a friend or older kid to do something that did not feel right? How did you react in that situation?
- Lolly and Rose form an unlikely friendship, what can we learn from them? Have you ever misjudged someone?
- Yvonne steals to make Lolly happy. Do you think she is justified in her actions? Why or why not?
- Lolly deals with a great loss. What are some strategies that he uses to express his feelings or cope with the tragedy? What strategies have you or could you use to deal with a difficult situation?
Final Thoughts on The Stars Beneath Our Feet
It took me a couple of chapters to really become invested in the story, but once I was hooked, I couldn’t stop reading! Moore crafts beautiful relationships that the reader can relate to and become incredibly invested in. As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and as a teacher, I believe that this book is a beautiful window into the struggles that young teenagers and preteens face. I can imagine Lolly in every twelve-year-old I see walking down the street or riding the subway. The adage “show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” has been very true in my personal life, and is a clear theme in the life of Lolly Rachpaul.
Thanks for reading our The Stars Beneath our Feet Discussion Questions and review. Check out some of these other posts:
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-Find our latest book reviews and discussion guides HERE!
Meet the Author- Hannah Gottschalk
Hello! I am an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, New York and am passionate about teaching students to love reading! In my free time you will find me hiking, visiting museums, reading, and drinking caramel frappucinos. Find me @hannahhaschalk on Instagram or @mrs.haschalk TikTok. Go check out her other reviews, Jason Reynold’s Look Both Ways and What I Like About Me too!
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