This needs to be shared with families and classrooms and provides many jumping off points for discussions on racism, voting rights, and community values. The power of words is also shown as Stella struggles to put her thoughts on paper with a typewriter given to her by a neighbor. Stories as a cultural touchstone is a primary theme and adds both humor and emotional depth.In particular, the teacher's retelling of a 'Flying African' folktale is exquisitely touching. What stands out is the humanity of the characters as Draper avoids easy stereotypes. While not as gut-wrenching as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor, this book also illuminates many of the problems of the Jim Crow South. Stella's family and the other African-American families in town are alarmed that the Klan is resuming activities and struggle to keep their children safe. She also witnessed activities by the KKK while out walking at night. She has trouble in school, she dislikes doing chores, and she is trying to find her identity. Stella is character all kids can relate to. I thought the book got off to aslow start, then escalated, and fell once again at the end? Read more The community, including some white families, rally to help. Stella's father and several other local men decide to register to vote- they jump through all of the unnecessary hoops that the white men set for them, and manage to go vote, even though the reaction of the Klu Klux Klan is to burn down the house of one of the men, displacing his large family.

Stella questions why the school for white children is so much better she struggles with her writing, but works very hard in school, and starts her own newspaper when she is given a typewriter, although she never shares her writings. The community is aware that African Americans in the south in the 1930s are supposed to keep to their 'place', but they also know that things are changing.

They know how serious this is, and run right home to tell their parents, who are scared and angry at the children for putting themselves in danger.

Stella and her brother are sneaking around in the woods near their house in Bumblee, North Carolina one night, and see the Klu Klux Klan burning a cross.

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper