The Stars Beneath Our Feet

This is my first novel by this author and I loved this story. The development of these characters, the friendship and the powerful message in this novel. All was magnificent! This was a great read from David Barclay Moore.

I listened to this book and my 13yo daughter read it. Yes, it is more appropriate for the YA age group. However, having worked in inner city schools and with kids exactly like this, it is their reality. The violence, language and life challenges are real. Those kids see this every single day, it doesn't wait for when they are old enough to deal with it. There are reviews about the N word, of course we know this is not to be used, but come on people, the kids use it all the time. The content in this book is real life for so many. Instead of shying away from it, let us get uncomfortable and raise questions with our kids, help them work through these tough issues. This book has a beautiful story of choosing your own path, not just going with the norms. It addresses tough subjects, some of which are not brought up in other books of the same theme. The idea that adults make bad decisions and they can apologize, that kids can find a new way, that friendships can help bridge new hope. This book is wonderful. Beautiful story of friendship and learning to accept the person you can actually be when you go for it! Bravo!

Great book; my sons loved it

With writing that is as much raw as it is honest, Moore draws the reader into a Harlem family rampant with issues. Divorce, gang activity, loss of a child, autism, and poverty thread throughout the book, but this is not a bleak read. No, it encourages the reader to do what is right even if it is hard. It reminds the reader that though it may feel as if you are alone, we really are all connected. And The Stars Beneath Our Feet is a nod to creativity, to uniqueness, to being open to all types of people, as well as a love song to poetry and the strength of the teacher-student bond. I loved the narration-Lolly is a remarkable young man. My one complaint, if it is one, is the final sentence in the book. It reminded me of how I teach my kids to write their personal narratives-to end strongly with what Nancie Atwell calls a "so-what." In my humble opinion, Moore is capable of more than a ten year old's 1-2 punch. "...when you die, they bury you, but your soul flies to the stars. Your mama, your daddy-they were buried under the ground, but they're stars now, girl, stars beneath our feet." "I had learned it was better to share your stuff. You get back more than you think you would." "Sometimes, Wallace...you just do what you know is right, even if it seems dumb at the time." "...I had learned the most important thing: the decisions you make can become your life. Your choices are you."

Very touching story. Super inspiring and very relatable, clear message about consequences to your actions - no matter how ‘bad’ you have it

Great book to read for teenagers

This book deals with a very difficult subject; a 12 year-old boy loses his older brother to gun violence; but it is still a very hopeful book. There are so many things that are wrong in this boy's world, but there are people who are trying to help him navigate his way through the hardship and despair to find a path to a better life than the one that caused his brother's death. I think this book should be required reading for all of our elected officials, who think that people live in poverty because they don't try to better their lives. This book shows that it's easier said than done. To the mom who stopped reading it to her son: keep reading it. It may make your son aware of how "the other half lives", and make him compassionate for the less fortunate.

Awesome book to readers

Bought this for my 11 yr old and he was super appreciative. Said he could really relate, the story was gripping and he couldn’t put the book down. Thank you to the author for creating such a great story!

Good story, not the standard cast of characters, not the standard ways to deal with gang pressure, peer pressure, and being non-neurotypical, with an ending that's not too pat and not too happy. I enjoyed it.

Excellent

My son really liked this