The New York Times
In the complex story that unfolds, Paterson asks her readers to think about what it means, exactly, for one person to be responsible for another, and what it takes to be a good person. She throws light on how abuse, mistrust, selfishness and abandonment can be passed down from generation to generation; and how promises that aren't kept can break hearts and poison the soul. The spark of light in Angel's life comes from a mysterious neighbor, who shows her the heavens in his telescope and evokes a fascination with astronomy that takes Angel where she needs to be. — Lois Metzger
Kathleen Odean
Eleven-year-old Angel Morgan has had to grow up too soon. Her father's in prison, her mother shirks responsibility and her little brother needs someone to take care of him. When their mother abandons the two children at the home of their great-grandmother, Angel feels hurt and scared. Yet her new life in rural Vermont has consolations, including the town's perceptive, friendly librarian. Outstanding characterization, realistic dialogue and effective imagery distinguish this heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful novel.
Publishers Weekly
An 11-year-old girl looks out for her younger brother after their mother leaves them with their paternal great-grandmother. "The heroine's blossoming friendship with a mysterious `star man,' combined with her intelligence and abiding trust in the direst of situations, will persuade readers that she will rise above her circumstances," according to PW's Best Books citation. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
A gently written tale of family caught in the most corrosive of situations, this is a story of guilt and reconciliation. Indeed there is plenty of guilt to go around. Eleven-year-old Angel and little brother Bernie have "parents that acted like spoiled babies and a great-grandmother who needed a mother as much as they did." Dad is in jail and the children are at the mercy of their mother’s irresponsible, mercurial moods. She abandons them with their prickly great-grandmother, who lives a hardscrabble life in a ramshackle Vermont farmhouse. Then she returns to "kidnap" Bernie, breaking Grandma’s and Angel’s hearts. After the mother’s drunken boyfriend has an accident in which she is almost killed and Bernie is injured, the family seems headed for reunion. Some characters may have been seen before: from the feisty grandmother with the soft center who herself has failed several generations of children, to her Vietnam-veteran son whose life has been ruined by drugs, but who is one important adult in Angel’s life. Central metaphors are best stated by the wise, elderly librarian (the only truly unselfish adult in the book) to whom Angel turns in each crisis. Miss Liza, the only physically misshapen character in a world of crippled adults, quotes the Bible to remind Angel that God is always mindful of man, that He "hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor." Angel is indeed angelic. She is the selfless caretaker, the responsible "adult" in a world where she’s always left behind and always disappointed by the very adults who ought to love and care for her. If she’s almost too good to be true—constantly buckling seat belts, lecturing on the five foodgroups, and fussing over proper outerwear in the cold—readers will recognize her and root for her because the odds are so badly stacked against her. (Fiction. 10-13)
From the Publisher
"A gently written tale of family caught in the most corrosive of situations,…readers will recognize and root for Angel." Kirkus Reviews, Starred
5Q/5P "Paterson's deft characterization, her insight into the human soul, and her glorious prose make this book one to rejoice over." VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
"Paterson’s beautiful words root the wonder of astronomy in gritty details of daily survival. This focused story evokes timeless tales." Booklist, ALA
"Thanks to the fine talent of Paterson, children’s literature has another memorable heroine." KLIATT
"Those who love her work will celebrate; those who aren’t familiar with it will have discovered a new star." Riverbank Review
"Paterson’s salt-of-the-earth style is in fine form here, making Angel’s dilemma credible, and Angel herself a compelling and believable figure." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"...Magical book...takes place in the most unmagical...circumstances...complex story...about what it takes to be a good person." NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW New York Review of Books
"Angel is an ultimately triumphant character." The HORN BOOK GUIDE, Pointer Review Horn Book Guide, Pointer
JUN/JUL 04 - AudioFile
Newbery Award-winning author Paterson writes a powerful story with some adult themes. Fans of The Bridge to Terabithia will find another plucky and likable heroine. When Angel’s mother dumps her and her 8-year-old brother on the doorstep of a great grandmother in the backwoods of Vermont, we’re not surprised. Fortunately, Angel soon meets the “Star man,” with his telescope and endless knowledge of the heavens, along with a wonderful librarian who knows that the answer to almost everything is in a book somewhere. Soon Angel begins to see possibilities for a life beyond the small, scary one she’s known. High praise to Alyssa Bresnahan, who is perfect for this material. Turning in a memorable performance, she injects a subtle sweetness and a gentle lilt that carry us through some truly grim moments. Bravo. D.G. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
