What Stars Are Made Of

Description

Libby was born with a heart three sizes too big. She takes daily shots, can't do monkey bars, and doesn't always read social cues. But having Turner Syndrome doesn't mean she can't be a scientist when she grows up. Besides her big sister Nonny, Libby's hero is astronomer Cecilia Payne, who discovered what stars are made of. When Nonny comes home to stay and tells Libby that she and her husband Thomas are having a baby, Libby knows what to do: She'll make Cecilia Payne the subject of her entry into a contest, and give all the first-place prize money-twenty-five thousand dollars!-to Nonny's growing family. But it'll take more tenacity than she's ever needed to help take care of the sister who has always taken care of her, all while navigating middle school with a unique set of challenges.

Sarah Allen has been published in the Evansville Review, Allegory, and on WritersDigest.com. She has an MFA from Brigham Young University. Like Libby, she was born with Turner Syndrome. What Stars are Made Of is her first novel.

"In her stunning debut middle grade novel, Allen, who was also born with Turner syndrome, explores themes of family loyalty and personal resilience and resolve, wrapping them up in a clever story of science, how the universe works and how stars can truly guide the way. What Stars Are Made Of is a tender portrait of a compassionate heroine trying to make things right in her universe and in the lives of the people she loves. Allen is a remarkable new voice in children's fiction." --BookPage, starred review "Libby's sparkling first-person narrative is directed straight at the reader, and her optimism is infectious. . .All the primary characters shine in this impressive debut." --Booklist "In this assured debut, science whiz Libby Monroe shines. . .Allen deftly sketches the dynamics of Libby's close-knit family, conveying Libby's anxiety when her older sister Nonny's pregnancy develops complications. . .This witty novel's heroine proves winning, whether or not she gains top prize." --Publishers Weekly "Readers will empathize with spunky Libby's social stumbles and will root for her as she dares to dream big. A tender novel about love, loyalty, and finding yourself, this will win a place in many readers' hearts. . .An #OwnVoices novel that will be an important addition to any collection." --School Library Journal