AUTHOR: Shirley Lewis
ISBN: 0-9683974-0-9
LIST PRICE: $14.95

Stars was the 1997 winner of the Silver Birch Award, and is set in Northern Ontario at a Wilderness Survival camp for young delinquents. It is particularly useful as a novel study for grades 6-9, with an emphasis on average readers.

Narrated by Joseph, a young teen, this novel shows his gradual development from a tough, misunderstood youngster headed for big trouble to a more perceptive young man who realizes that he holds the key to controlling his own life. The descriptions of the wilderness programs gives the reader insights into the causes of delinquency and the ways that youngsters can be taught to take responsibility for their lives. The plot follows the activities of a group of rough, tough young teens through a regimen of wilderness survival and outdoor activity.

The study guide provides information about the author and guides teachers through the study of plot, theme, characterization, style, vocabulary development, etc. Curriculum tie-ins include wilderness facts, survival techniques, and social issues.