Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy
Published by Quill Tree on October 3, 2023
ISBN: 0063255480
Pages: 313
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Wendy just wants to keep her head down as she starts her new school. Her family has moved because many of their friends – including her best friend and her brother’s girlfriend – were recently detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents. Unfortunately, Wendy finds it hard to stay invisible between her friend Etta who wants to loudly protest for human – and immigrants’ – rights and becoming the target of bullies. With a woman seeking sanctuary in the church next door and the charming bully stealing her science fair project, things begin to heat up. Wendy starts to question her family’s desperate need to lay low as her brother starts attending rallies. While at times challenging and disturbing to read – especially reading about the mistreatment immigrants face in our country – it is nonetheless hopeful. This middle grade novel is timely and may be of interest in our Maine communities welcoming New Mainers. While well-written and engaging, it does not quite rise to the level of cream of the crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham