Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping story of three sibs fending for themselves in 1974.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
It's 1974, and Kathleen (13), Elise (11), and Baxter (6) Star -- known by their late mother's pet names of Pride, Nightingale, and Baby -- know all about keeping a low profile for the outside world. They lived happily on a commune with their parents until their dad died of cancer, their mother was killed in a car accident, and they were swept into the social services system. Then their grandfather arrives and takes them to his farm in Minnesota, where he's been living as something of a hermit; they all live happily until he falls ill and is taken to the hospital. Suddenly the kids have to fend for themselves and keep from attracting the authorities' attention, as they're determined never to go into the system or let anyone split them up. Various adults enter the picture, bringing complications with them. Narrated by Pride, this tale of intrepid kids dealing with challenges they don't really understand is heartwarming, funny, and full of positive life lessons.
Is It Any Good?
Author Sheila O'Connor's usual compelling writing, interesting characters, and deft touch with relationships are much in evidence here. Three resourceful kids deal with their own differences and the challenges of the adult world in their efforts to keep their family together. Along the way, the Watergate scandal and Nixon's resignation -- as well as various adult views of the situation -- come to light as part of the backdrop against which the kids' adventures unfold.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Watergate era and what kids learn about it today. Does Keeping Safe the Stars give you a good idea of the mood of the country at that time and what people worried about?
Have you read any other books in which kids suddenly have to take care of themselves? Why do you think this is a popular theme?
What does it tell you about a character that he names his animals Scout, Atticus, and Woody Guthrie? Can you identify where these names came from?
From Pride's description of life on the commune, do you think you would have liked living there?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History , Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Publication date : October 11, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 17
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate