The Star Outside My Window

This book is a lot of fun, despite dealing with the huge topic of domestic violence. It tells the story of the central character Aniyah and her little brother Noah, on a mission, along with their friends Ben and Travis, to make sure a newly discovered star, which they associate with their mum, gets the correct name. Lots of adventure, humour, peril, a chase - I think this book would make an entertaining and touching animated film!

Readforjoy

I loved this book- this author is incredible, to be able to deal with such difficult subjects in such a child friendly way- I loved it from start to finish.

VCook1978

A beautifully told story surrounding a very serious, distressing topic that the author deals with carefully, compassionately and sensitively. The serious undertone of domestic violence behind the children being in foster care remains throughout but whilst it does, it’s carefully written and not the centre of the story. Aniyah and her younger brother Noah are placed in foster care after their mum is in their words taken from them. The story although at times funny, is also emotional and heart breaking as Aniyah and Noah begin to come to terms with what actually happened to their mum, their loss, bereavement and their new reality. They are though fortunate enough to have been placed into a loving and accepting foster home where they are both loved and nurtured. With help from her two new foster brothers Aniyah and Noah attempt to travel to The Greenwich Observatory in time to name the newly found star that Aniyah believes is her mum looking over her from above.

SarahC39

Star Reviewer

Very thought provoking into life of a Foster child. Only reservation was that nit all Foster children will achieve their dream as happened in the story. Hood to see Foster life from different viewpoints. Well written.

Mills29

Oh, my goodness. Love Onjali Q.Rauf. I love the way in which she reveals the back story to us…drip, drip…little by little…while taking the present day story forwards. 📚

MairiG

Beautifully written and so poignant. I was in tears by the end. I love how the author convincingly depicts issues like trauma, fostering and adoption from the children's perspective. I was completely caught up in Aniyah's interpretation of events and didn't get the full picture until the last chapter- just before Aniyah got it herself. Could not put it down!

LCorin

I really enjoyed this story, at first I did struggle to get into it but might have been because I was juggling more than one book at a time! As the pages turned I couldn’t put the book down. The story has themes of family, domestic abuse, friendship and adventure! By the end I was tearing, I really connected with the story and the characters! I will definitely look to read another one by this author!

AESINGFIELD

I loved all the book but you need a wider understanding of their circumstances to get you going and some could be put off quite early on. However, as the story progresses it’s a great adventure for all to read and I can think of lots of Year 4 children who would thoroughly enjoy this adventure.

AN21

Fantastic story for older children and adults! Such a beautiful story!

KatherineKeen

Brilliant book, I was hooked from the beginning. I love how the author discusses the issues raised in the book about domestic violence and fostering. Inspiring to read about the events that the book was based on at the end too.

lishna

Just beautiful - a really moving story that brought a tear to my eye

tincan23

A really beautiful story! It is a total tear jerker but has some funny moments too. The characters are all great and the author describes them so cleverly that you quickly recognise them. The main theme, I think, is one of kindness. It would be a good book to recommend as it is written from the point of view of a character in a very different situation to most.

Sar161

My daughter recommended this book to me after she’d read it herself. Loved the writing. Loved the way in which the facts of the story were revealed to us, little by little… Think I have to buy it for the Library at school. My daughter is now going to use the book for her book club choice in the final weeks of school. 📚

Library Lassie

Wow! I have read the author’s other books and this one similarly packs a punch. She has a talent for writing stories with real heart and a real message. I like how adult issues are written from a child’s perspective. Fantastic book

Y6Falcons

Amazing and powerful storyline. I could imagine the whole story in my mind and couldn’t put it down. Great friendships formed and a ready eye at the end

MissGrainger

A book that addresses difficult topics through an engaging story. Recommended to be read with children or given to those who can cope with the situations of the characters.

Peregrine56

WOW! A fantastic read- very emotive and emotional throughout dealing with difficult themes of domestic abuse, foster care but a beautiful ending and lovely relationships blossomed from the characters. Tears in my eyes at the ending. A book that would need to be managed sensitively with KS2 pupils

sean23_e

I loved this book - it really pulled at my heart strings! It took me on a wonderful adventure and the last few pages I had to read through my tears! It touches on some very heartbreaking issues but the story and the journey is magical.

Kate Allen

A good insight into domestic abuse and foster care for younger readers. Well written with great character descriptions. So good I've passed it on to my 10 year old.

sadieo

What a read! Shows resilience, determination, courage, and strength in very difficult circumstances. It is an emotional book as it deals with domestic abuse and different emotions. Would recommend to all.

ange63