"A Pocketful of Stars" was a touching read of a young girl struggling in school and feeling guilt that a heated argument she had with her mother put her in hospital in a coma. Visiting her mother, Safiya sees glimpses of her mother's past and learns to understand her more.

While the end broke my heart, I was surprised to learn that Safiya was supposed in be in Year 8 because she acted and behaved much younger. My Year 8 students would cringe at some of the things she said and did.

Despite this, "A Pocketful of Stars" will suit middle-school readers as it deals with friendship, bereavement, guilt and self-awareness in a well-written debut. ( )