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 enlarge | Author: Joan Hiatt Harlow
Publisher: Aladdin
Category: Book
List Price: $5.99
Buy Used: $0.01
You Save: $5.98 (100%)
New (45) Used (160) Collectible (1) from $0.01
Rating:  27 reviews
Sales Rank: 747716
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Pages: 160
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.6
ISBN: 0689846215
EAN: 9780689846212
ASIN: 0689846215
Publication Date: September 1, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Some wear on book from reading, spine creases, wear on binding and pages, we guarantee all purchases and ship all items via USPS mail.
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Showing reviews 6-10 of 27
 The Best Book Ever December 16, 2005
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
What would happen if your dog has been outlawed? If you like that sentence you should read Star in the Storm by Jhoa Hiatt Harlow.
In Newfoundland a girl named Maggie and her beloved dog Sirius was going to be killed but Maggie could not let that happen so she hides him in a cove where he wont be found. When Maggie finds out about the steamer that has crashed by the bay she knows Sirius can save them but does he have enough courage to save them and himself?
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because there was so much non-stop action so you should get a copy now.
 No more dead dogs (thankfully) November 20, 2005
E. R. Bird (Manhattan, NY)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Growing up, my mother would sometimes tell me stories of the Newfoundland dog, Nero, that her family owned on the farm. From these stories I learned that Newfoundlands are a funny breed. For example, if any kid in the family wanted to go swimming in the nearby lake or river, they were required to tie up Nero in the yard. Otherwise, they would be "rescued" from the water by the family dog, whether they wanted to or not. With these stories sitting in my mind, it was with great pleasure that I picked up author Joan Hiatt Harlow's, "Star In the Storm". Having written both this book and "Thunder From the Sea", it's pretty safe to say that Harlow has singlehandedly wrapped up the entire Newfoundlands-in-children's-literature category. The book is a pleasant read in and of itself, but it's certainly not very deep and more an enjoyable jaunt than an attempt at great writing as a whole.
Maggie lives in Newfoundland in a fish-based village by the sea. Of all of Maggie's loves, the greatest of these is her wonderful dog, Sirius. She might be content with this life were it not for rich and spoiled Tamar Rand and her dog-hating father. When Sirius is accused of killing one of Tamar's sheep, her father does everything he can to create a law banning all dogs on the island that do not herd sheep. Panicked at the thought of losing her pup, Maggie hides Sirius and attempts to keep him out of sight for as long as possible. Unfortunately, an unexpected storm and a drowning boat force the young girl to make a choice - does she allow Sirius to save the passengers and possibly get shot by Mr. Rand, or does she keep her pup hidden and let innocent lives drown?
Since we're dealing with a fairly simplistic book here, you can probably guess which choice Maggie makes. In a review of "Star In the Storm" by School Library Journal, the reviewer said that, "the characters are drawn with a heavy hand and are either evil or good at the beginning". That's not exactly fair. Tamar is seen to be rather witchy right from the beginning, but a careful reader will notice that her hatred of Sirius stems from a misunderstanding rather than a malicious soul. There is no denying that the book isn't exactly going to surprise seasoned readers. By the end every "bad" person has done a 180 degree turnaround and suddenly thinks Sirius is the bee's knees. It would have been far more interesting to have a begrudging ending to the book where Sirius' position on the island was still a little shaky, but that's neither here nor there. The book may also suffer a some when you consider that if you say the name "Sirius" to a nine-year-old, they'll certainly think of a big black dog. But the big black dog they think of will be Sirius Black from "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". Or Sirius from Diana Wynne Jones', "Dogsbody". Maybe.
The strength of the book comes in the descriptions of Newfoundland as well as the details regarding Newfoundland dogs. Of course sometimes these fall flat too. A glossary of terms would have been most appreciated. Maggie's mother, for example, makes something called "calabogus", which is apparently an alcoholic drink. Or it has something to do with cabbage. I'm not entirely certain which. Still, there are lovely moments, such as when Maggie rows out into the sea to chip some ice off of an iceberg for a friend, or the descriptions of the tiny houses of Newfoundland. There is a map of the island, but it doesn't give any sense of where in the world it lies. Kids could easily get through this book thinking that Newfoundland is its own country, possibly near England, rather than a Canadian province. Ah well.
There will always be kids asking for good dog books, and "Star In the Storm" fulfills that need without question. This is also one of those rare faithful dog books where the dog does NOT die at the end. A far more common occurrence today than it used to be. If you've run out of doggy titles to suggest to your young 'un (having already gone through "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "Shiloh") then this will be an obvious choice. It's not the best written book out there but it's fun and the kiddies will adore that. That, I guarantee.
Star In the Storm fans!!! February 5, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I gave this Boook a 5 star ratting because its a awsome book and it always keeps you at the edge of your seat!!I could never ever set this book down! I was always thinking whats goung to happen next or is that person going to be ok".
I thin every one should read this book because it tought me a good lesson and to be my self and not be afriad to make different dessions!:)
Star in the Storm Review September 28, 2004
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I think Star in the Storm is one of the best books I have ever read. It is about a girl named Maggie who owns a non-sheepherding dog named Sirius. After a shhep incident though, a law is made to shoot any dogs who don't herd sheep. It is full of suspense, sad moments and happy moments. For example a sad moment is when a sheep who was about to give birth died along with her baby. Star in the STorm is a historical fiction based on the early 1900s when one dog saved 100 passengers on a steamer even when the remains of an awful storm were going on. This book shows that if you keep trying you can succeed. I would recommend Star in the Storm to every kid and adults to. I rate This book 5 stars because it was so interesting I read 108 pages in 1 night. If you ever read this book( Which I hope you will) I am sure you will love it.
One of the best books i have ever read! April 25, 2004
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Star in the Storm was really adventurous. Star in the storm is the kind of book that is not easy to put down. i would recommend this book to anybody who loves a happy ending or anyone who loves dog stories where the dog doesn't die. I think star in the storm is a great story.
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