The Same Stuff as Stars

Rating:
Summary: You'll Enjoy This One....
Review: You can't help but root for Angel as she navigates the adult world on her own, also acting as an 11 year old surrogate mother to her 7 year old brother, Bernie. You have to wonder what adult in her short life taught her how to be so responsible, as her mother is an alcoholic who keeps abandoning them, and their father is in prison. Still, Angel soldiers on in spite of finally being dumped on their great-grandmother who doesn't seem to move much from her rocker and survives on pork and beans. The three need each other and it was enjoyable to see them work out a living arrangement, including getting Angel and Bernie into school. It was also hauntingly mysterious when the "Star Man" began introducing Angel to the stars. We also love the librarian who offers books and love. But the story jangles when mom comes back and snatches Bernie out of school. And we can't quite believe mom is going to come back into the fold after she ends up in the hospital after being in a car crash. (Doubtful she won't light out again.)
This was a good read but not quite as brilliant as "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved". However, I can't quite shake how lovely Angel's introduction to astronomy was. I just found the ending a bit too pat.