Star of the Week: A Story of Love, Adoption, and Brownies with Sprinkles (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Roger Roth (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It is Cassidy-Li’s turn to be her kindergarten class’ “star of the week,” so she begins her autobiographical poster with a photograph taken in China at the time of her adoption. Other snapshots introduce her American family, friends, and favorite activities; but Cassidy-Li ruefully realizes she does not have a photograph of her birth family: “I think about my birth parents a lot. Sometimes I miss them.” Her questions and longings go into a picture she draws for her poster. Realistic illustrations portray a contemporary family bearing a strong resemblance to that of the author, the illustrator, and their daughter in the book-flap photo. The pictures add character and a light touch to a story, which, while upbeat, deals forthrightly with the uncertainties of adoptees. Cassidy-Li’s thoughts and questions about her birth family will resonate with adopted children and serve as a springboard for discussion in homes and classrooms. Preschool-Grade 3. --Linda Perkins

Product Description

It's Cassidy—Li's turn to be Star of the Week at school! So she's making brownies and collecting photos for her poster. She has pictures of all the important people in her life—with one big exception. Cassidy—Li, adopted from China when she was a baby, doesn't have a photo of her birthparents. But with a little help from her family, she comes up with the perfect way to include them!

Using their own family's story as a model, Darlene Friedman and Roger Roth celebrate the love of families everywhere through this straightforward and insightful book.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061141364
• ISBN-13: 978-0061141362
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #132,609 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Way to Handle Difficult Conversations, June 18, 2009

By	Hilary S. Williams (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Darlene Friedman and Roger Roth are a great team. The writing and illustrations in this book communicate a loving and sensitive story of a child's quest to come to terms with her adopted past...not an easy subject. As a teacher, I see this book as a vehicle for self discovery for my students. The story presents many meaningful writing opportunities for students to explore who they are and how their roots have an impact on their lives. As a parent, I think this book can show how difficult situations can be approached with love and honesty. I enjoyed the book very much, and I highly recommend it to adults and children of all ages.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Story, June 25, 2009

By	A. Wells (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I collect children's literature and this book is fabulous. It's a perfect book to share with children whether they are adopted or not! It addresses questions that adopted children have and builds an understanding of what these issues may be for children who may have adopted friends or classmates. The illustrations just grab you! They capture the spirit of Cassidy-Li.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFUL BOOK FOR ALL!!, June 4, 2009

By	Jennifer Jump (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Immediately after I read Star of the Week, I emailed Ms. Friedman to thank her and her husband for such a "lovely, touching, fun and honest book that I look forward to reading with my adopted son." I also wrote that I hope they "collaborate on more adoptive picture books in the future!"

As a teacher of second graders for over thirteen years, I know how difficult "Star of the Week" can be for some students. I believe Ms. Friedman's book will help open up the lines of communication for my son and others as well as show how wonderful and special the "Star of the Week" experience can be!

Today I am going to buy three more copies for my friends who also have children they adopted from Russia.

Thanks again Ms. Friedman!!!