Libby doesn't have a lot of real life friends so 'collects' people she admires in her head and makes them friends. Libby has Turner Syndrome, and we see what this means for her throughout her story. This book was kindly given to me by NetGalley, the Author and the publisher Penguin Random House UK Children’s in exchange for an honest review. Full of passion, a great sense of justice for all and entertaining. Great portrayal of Turner’s syndrome presented in a compassionate way but fully explained in an easy to understand way. Libby’s friend Talia is also entering a poetry competition and it is wonderful to see Libby’s support for her friend with the guidance of Nonny to help her express her feelings of support.Ī story with beautiful friendships, compassion for friends and family. Then just maybe Nonny’s baby will be born perfect.

She has decided that if she can win the first prize, then she can give all the money to Nonny and her husband. Libby is worried that Nonny’s baby will have health problems like her. The first prize of $25,000 is in her sights. Libby decides to enter a competition by the Smithsonian Institute, doing a project on her idol Cecilia Payne, who discovered what stars are made of but has not been recognised along the other celebrated people in her school textbook. Libby discovers that her pregnant older sister and her husband are having financial difficulties and is moving back home whilst her husband takes a job away. She is full of hope, has a beautiful zest for life, loves science and her family. Twelve year old Libby has Turner Syndrome.

Such a fabulous book that I am definitely going to be recommending. I did shed a tear or two towards the end of the book but they were most definitely happy tears. One of my favourite parts is Libby’s retort to him when she is doing her presentation on Eleanor Roosevelt. They initially bond through them both suffering at the hands of the class bully.

The friendship Libby eventually finds in Talia is lovely. Talking of words, I loved the Hard reading words that are dotted throughout the book, it really made me think about my vocabulary choices. Libby comes from such a supportive, loving and caring family and the bond between all of them shines through Sarah’s words. I don’t want to give anything away but I have definitely come away feeling a lot more knowledgeable on a number of subjects. Not only did I learn about that but also about Cecilia Payne. I’d never heard of that before, knew nothing about it but through Libby, it is clearly explained what it is, the effects and the implications for her future. Libby is a 7th Grader who has Turner Syndrome. Wow, what a book!! At first I wasn’t 100% sure what the book was about just that it had stars in it but oh boy, I am so glad I read it.

What stars are made of by sarah allen