Girl Made of Stars

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2018

Review

Girl Made of Stars is a timely look at sexual assault in our culture today. Blake writes from the perspective of Mara, a high school student who is juggling with a break up with her girlfriend, Charlie, (to avoid one that will hurt worse when they go to college next year), the start of her senior year of high school, and normal high school politics. However, after her twin brother, Owen is accused of raping Hannah, a friend, at a party, Mara is lost in a whirlwind of confusion. Her brother would never do something like that. Would he? A secret she’d kept since middle school adds to the turmoil Mara feels as she struggles with wanting to believe in the brother that has always felt like the other half of her soul and the sinking suspicion that Hannah is telling the truth. Blake expertly navigates topics such as sexual assault, victim blaming, consent, punishment, and truth. An important book that packs a real punch.

Overall Book Score: excellent