The Silver Star

In Jeannette Walls's gripping coming-of-age novel, set in 1970 California, twelve-year-old Bean and her fifteen-year-old sister Liz navigate a challenging new life after their artistic mother, Charlotte, leaves to "find herself." With limited resources, the sisters journey to Virginia to stay with their widowed Uncle Tinsley in his crumbling family mansion. As they confront financial hardships and the complexities of their past, Bean's optimism balances Liz's growing withdrawal, particularly after a troubling incident involving a local bully. This deeply moving family story explores resilience, love, and the struggle to face real-life challenges.