Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl learns dangers of racism in poignant verse novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLACK STAR, 12-year-old Charlene, "Charley," is a Black girl living in a small southern town in the United States called Lee's Mill, during the Jim Crow era. She's fascinated by her grandfather's story of growing up in Africa, before he was brought to the United States and enslaved. Charley is equally enthralled by her father's stories about the opportunities in the northern United States and Canada. Charley excels at baseball, and her dream is to become a professional player. She's the best pitcher in town, but playing with the White children puts her and her family in danger.
Is It Any Good?
This is a worthy, thought-provoking, and fast-paced sequel. In Black Star by Kwame Alexander, the author explores both generational trauma and resilience in the children and grandchildren of a man brought from Africa to the United States on a slave ship. The main character is a girl who embraces her dreams even though the world tells her those dreams are impossible. It shows a family attempting to balance shielding their daughter from disturbing realities and preparing her to take on the challenges the world will undoubtedly present her. A great read for any kid, it will also be a fantastic classroom book to include in units on American history, with many opportunities for further research and learning. Though this book can stand alone, reading The Door of No Return, Book 1 provides a meaningful layer of context about African American life in slavery and beyond.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of courage in Black Star. What's the difference between being courageous and being naive to danger?
Sharing stories is central to how grandparents and parents pass along their knowledge in Black Star—especially hard truths about the world. How can you foster communication between the generations in your family and keep the important stories alive?
What kind of support from others helps people persevere when they are discouraged?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : February 24, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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