Every Soul a Star By Wendy Mass Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers Copy right 2008 Genre Fiction Report by Alex Bellisario

Wendy Mass was born in 1967 in Livingston, N. J Wendy Mass was born in 1967 in Livingston, N.J. 45 minutes away from New York City. Mass’ parents were major readers so naturally she was one, too. In 4th grade a friend challenged her to a reading race and then they became lifelong readers, this is also when Mass became interested in writing. She graduated as an English major from Tufts. Then, she moved to L.A. to work in the entertainment industry. Then, she decided to write for children and young adults. Later Mass moved back east to start her career in publishing. Mass is now living with her husband and her twin daughter and son. She wrote 11 books including the newest called The Candymakers and also has written science books. She has won 42 state awards, and an ALA Schneider Family Award for a Mango-shaped Space. Mass’s e-mail is wendy@wendymass.com and her website: www.wendymass.com. Wendy Mass

Interest Level and Reading Level: For young adults (Teens in middle school.) 5th – 7th graders

Theme: The main theme of this novel is that you must believe in yourself, be a good friend, and you can get through almost any hardships life throws your way. Another theme of Every Soul a Star is that the same event can affect very different people in many different ways. This theme runs through the book when three unlikely friends face many different problems which seem like nothing compared to the changes in their lives about to happen after the eclipse.

Overview: This is the story of three unlikely friends who find they have to work together to face their problems and to complete a very important experiment related to an eclipse.

Problem and Solution: Jack, Bree, and Ally are all facing problems. Ally’s move to Chicago and Bree’s move to Moon Shadow (the campground where the eclipse takes place) force the girls to experience a whole new way of life from what they are used to. Jack’s problem is his science teacher left him in charge of a science experiment when he unexpectedly leaves the camp. Jack completes the experiment with help from Ally, Bree and other friends. Along the way, he learns to make friends and have better self esteem.

Setting and Point of View: This story takes place at Moon Shadow Campground. Each event in the story is told separately in first person by Ally, Bree, and then Jack.

Characters: Bree- a popular and beautiful girl who dreams of being a model. Everything changes when her family moves to Moon Shadow Campground. Ally- a true nature girl at heart, who loves gazing up at the stars. She is comfortable in the country, but learns she will be moving with her family to Chicago. Jack- an overweight kid, not very good at school and is used being alone. He has a difficult family life, and low self esteem. He learns more than science at Moon Shadow. He learns to like himself while at camp. Stella- is an older woman who wants to know about other people’s lives. She is wise and enjoys giving others advice. Kenny – is Ally’s younger brother who interested in bugs. He was born and grew up at Moon Shadow and knows nothing else. He calls every place else “civilization.” Mr. Silver –Jack’s science teacher. He is an eclipse chaser who suggests Jack go to Moon Shadow instead of summer school. Ryan - is a young boy whose grandfather has known Ally’s grandfather for years. He has gone to Moon Shadow with his grandparents for as long as Ally can remember, and the two are good friends. Melanie – is Bree’s younger sister. She is a science nerd, who considers the move to Moon Shadow an ‘adventure’.

Which character can you relate to the best? Why? Discussion Questions: Ally Chapter 1: Ally believes in fairies. She says it is because she is home-schooled, but it’s probably also because of where she’s grown up. Do you believe in anything others may not? Bree Chapter 2: When Bree finds out she’s moving she’s really upset. How would you react if your family was moving to someplace completely different? Jack Chapter 3: Jack does not want to go to Moon Shadow Campground. Have you ever had to go somewhere you didn’t want to go? What happened? Did you have a good time? Ally Chapter 4: Bree and Ally are technically switching places. How did Ally react differently than Bree? Do you think that Ally or Bree will be more successful in her new environment? Why? Bree Chapter 5: Stella, an older woman gave Bree advice “Life is short but it’s wide.” This means that life is short but you have lots of choices. What does this mean to you? Jack Chapter 6: Mr. Silver could have made Jack go to summer school when he fails science class. Instead, he suggests Jack go to Moon Shadow for the eclipse, and to help complete an experiment about Exo-Planets. Why do you think he did that? What do you think Jack’s life would have been like if he hadn’t gone to camp? Ally Chapter 7: Ally is so excited about the eclipse that she can’t think straight, but on the other hand, she knows the eclipse is the start of everything changing. How are friends coping with the coming changes? Have you ever had mixed feelings about a major event? What was it, and how did you react? If you could, would you change your reaction or behavior? Epilogue: All the main characters want to be famous, and they all have different plans for becoming famous. Whose plan is more realistic? Why? Which character can you relate to the best? Why?

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