The bond between a child and grandparent can be special, none more than with Julia and her grandmother. This wildly imaginative fantasy will have readers saying many times “I didn’t see that one coming!” Hearts will also feel a little warmer after reaching THE END.

Julia has a problem, and she can’t just sit around and watch it take its course. Her beloved Grammu is sick and seemingly headed to her final resting place. The remedy for this dire reality is the only one this kickboxing fourth grader thinks will work: catch a falling star—a sure way for wishes to come true. Her big wish is to keep Grammu alive forever.

The third person narration flows nicely as Julia faces one adversity after another. It’s her spunky attitude and a beagle loving companion that help keep her dream alive.

Here’s the official synopsis for THE HEALING STAR:

Feisty fourth-grader Julia’s best friend in the entire universe is her grandmother. Julia and Grammu share secrets while cooking soup together, stay up late eating junk food and watching scary movies, and go stargazing on Blackberry Hill. They even wish on the same star every night.

But everything changes when Grammu catches the disappearing disease: little by little, she’s turning invisible. If Julia can catch a falling star, then her wish to save Grammu will come true. All Julia needs to do now is find the legendary ladder to the stars…

What Else I Liked

The fantasy elements are all neatly tied into the story. Magical clouds, a video game parlor in the sky, and that ladder you have to climb to reach the stars. The journey is full of adventure and you’re never sure who can be trusted.

Helping support Julia are Pete, her often flatulent beagle, and best friend extraordinaire, JG.  Julia isn’t perfect and will even steal a star if it means saving her grandmother. But in the end it is a story about family and how we truly can keep those connections in your heart forever. Perfect as a read-aloud or to read alone for any 3rd-6th grader.

I received an ebook of this title from the author for my honest review.

Connect with A. Kidd via her FACEBOOK page.

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