The Healing Star by A. Kidd

The Healing Star is masterfully written, emotionally penetrating, and an empathetic salve upon the uncertainty of life for young people who have close relationships with their grandparents... and those who want closer relationships with their parents.

This middle-grade book holds messages of love, acceptance, determination, and friendship all hidden in plain sight. Through Julia, we discover powers we forgot live inside of us, and how even the smallest wishes can be connected to greater dream fulfillment... if we take the risks necessary to open our hearts and allow truth to fill the small crevices.

Jacoby's words of wisdom are a mantra we should all carry with us, even in the small spaces, when sometimes, we forget: "Stand your ground from the start. Remember to always think smart. Answer all questions from the heart."

Pete, Julia's Beagle, was the ideal sidekick... loyal, up for adventure (except in his fear), never dissuading her from her goals, and ready to go home when he discovered this was not his journey. Pete is the perfect expression of quiet friendship, and how it endures even when it is not being flamboyant.

For me, this book was reminiscent of E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web". There was a powerful quest that remained so gentle, one hardly notices the sneaky connection it's making to your soul. I admit freely that this book moved me to tears when I discovered the truth both Julia and I had overlooked for far too long. As I closed the pages, I thought about my grandfather, and the connection he and I will always share. I am grateful for Julia's story, and the reminder that he is still among the stars.

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