The Stars Just Up the Street
What’s inside...
A grandpa's memories of brilliant night skies inspire a little girl to take action in a tale for budding community organizers and star lovers alike. Mabel loves stars. She counts five from her window and thirty-seven from her backyard. But her grandfather tells her that, as a child, he could see thousands. Could it be true? Mabel climbs a hill looking for more stars -- only to discover that the glow from the nearby town makes them hard to see. What would it take for her neighbors to turn off their lights, just for one night, so that everyone could see the starlit sky? Sue Soltis's tale of a young activist and Christine Davenier's luminous illustrations will leave readers curious about the dark-sky movement -- and the wonder that is waiting for them just up the street.
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if there were no street lights at all where we live?
How do you feel when you look at the stars, and why do you think they are important?
Can you imagine ways we could make our neighborhood darker so that more stars can be seen at night?
What do you think Mabel felt when she saw a sky full of stars for the first time?
Why do you think the community’s help was necessary for Mabel’s wish to come true?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe what their ideal starry night would look like, bridging their imagination with the story.
Connect the story's themes to real-world scenarios by discussing any personal experiences or family stories related to star-gazing or community initiatives.
After reading, take a walk in the evening to observe the night sky together; discuss any visible stars or the brightness of your environment.
Use guiding prompts to encourage deeper thinking, such as 'What might happen next if the story continued?' or 'How would you help Mabel in her quest?'
Reinforce the theme of community and cooperation by planning a simple neighborhood activity, drawing parallels to the book’s story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Advocacy
Explanation: The young protagonist, Mabel, demonstrates perseverance by advocating for a darker night sky in her community, going door-to-door to gain support.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and advocacy in achieving any goal, understanding that their actions can lead to meaningful change in their community.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Mabel's quest to see more stars develops into an appreciation for the natural world, encouraging practices to preserve its beauty.
Real-World Application: This lesson stresses the importance of respecting and preserving nature, inspiring children to participate in environmental conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Mabel addresses the issue of light pollution by coming up with a community action plan, showing innovative problem-solving capabilities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and creatively solve problems they observe in their surroundings, fostering early critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Community Building
Explanation: Through her initiative, Mabel brings her community together to achieve a common goal, highlighting the strength of communal efforts.
Real-World Application: This instills the value of community involvement, teaching children that teamwork can lead to achieving significant objectives.
Example Lesson: Discovery and Curiosity
Explanation: Mabel's desire to see stars leads her to explore the night sky, fueling her curiosity about the universe.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and ask questions about the world around them, cultivating a lifelong love of learning and discovery.