When the Stars Came Home - by Brittany Luby (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A 2023 Horn Book Fanfare title - A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book of 2023 - A CCBC Choices Best Book of 2023

★ "A moving portrait about discovering what home means."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Highly recommended."--School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Luby's lyrical text and Donovan's vibrant...illustrations combine to powerfully convey universal themes about change and the strength of family."--Horn Book, starred review

A heartwarming look at how the comfort of tradition and story can create a true sense of belonging, told through an Indigenous lens.

When Ojiig moves to the city with his family, he misses everything they left behind. Most of all, he misses the sparkling night sky. Without the stars watching over him, he feels lost.

His parents try to help, but nothing seems to work. Not glow-in-the-dark sticker stars, not a star-shaped nightlight. But then they have a new idea for how to make Ojiig feel better -- a special quilt stitched through with family stories that will wrap Ojiig in the warmth of knowing who he is and where he came from. Join this irresistible family as they discover the power of story and tradition to make a new place feel like home.

Review Quotes

Praise for When the Stars Came Home:
A 2023 Horn Book Fanfare title
A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book of 2023
A CCBC Choices Best Book of 2023
A Children's Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Book
A Forest of Reading 2025 Blue Spruce Award nominee
A Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Picture Book Award nominee


"With more than 70 percent of Indigenous Americans now residing in urban areas, this story of maintaining culture in a new environment will resonate."--Booklist

* "A moving portrait about discovering what home means."
--Kirkus, starred review

* "Anishinaabe author Luby's observational, yearning-tinged prose aligns with Métis illustrator Donovan's art, in which a golden-hued palette and rich purples and indigos echo starlight and velvety night."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Luby's lyrical text and Donovan's vibrant...illustrations combine to powerfully convey universal themes about change and the strength of family."--Horn Book, starred review

* "Brilliant."--Kirkus, starred review

* "Luby (Anishinaabe) and Donovan (Métis) have created a story of identity that is grounded in a specific community with universal themes that will appeal to many readers...useful for classes engaging in discussions about cultural identity, migration, and remaining connected to one's culture...Highly recommended."--School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for Encounter:
"A standout."--New York Times Book Review

About the Author

Brittany Luby, of Anishinaabe descent, was raised on Treaty #3 Lands in what is now known as northwestern Ontario. She is the author of several acclaimed books including Encounter, illustrated by Michaela Goade, and Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. She is a professor of history at the University of Guelph and currently lives in Ontario, on Dish with One Spoon Territory.

Natasha Donovan is a Métis illustrator originally from Vancouver, British Columbia. She has illustrated several celebrated books including Borders by Thomas King and Surviving the City by Tasha Spillett-Sumner. She lives by the Nooksack River in Washington State.