A review by calistareads
A Night Without Stars by James Howe, Leslie H. Morrill

4.0

I was impressed with this James Howe drama. Maria needs heart surgery and this story deals with the fear of what surgery is going to be like. This was a different time. Maria went in the hospital early, like 24 hours early, which they don't do now. She meets other kids on the kid ward having surgery for various things. She meets 2 girls who seem friendly. There is also Donald who the girls nick-name Monster Boy. He was burned severely and he has a chip on his shoulder to protect him.

The story is about finding friends in unlikely places. This book is well written for a middle grade age group and it's a good story. It deals with fear of the unknown, being alone, having friends and friending someone that others don't like and family. It's complex and well done.

James Howe comes through again. It's a serious book.