Recently, the CSI teenage girl asked her dad and I to read a book that she absolutely loves. I read it first on a plane ride to San Diego and finished it in one day. I fell in love with it too.
I loved it because in it is a girl who I wish every young girl would learn from. Even though she is pining for a boy(which is typical of a teenager), Star Girl is a strong,unique character who even renames herself. Her parents allow her to be who she wants to be and for her that is very freeing. I love that my teenage girl loves this character because it means that she too values who she is and doesn’t feel like the world determines who she is. When Mr. CSI started reading the book, he laughed and said, “Star Girl reminds me so much of our own girl. I love that.”
This is one character in a book that you can be happy your kids are connecting to. Especially young women. Not all books are like that.
Our beautiful, carefree teenage girl is………..
~ a vegetarian because she loves animals way too much. Star Girl is also a vegetarian.
~ overcomes her own obstacles and comes out on the other side shining brighter than ever. Star Girl also shines bright!
~ very introspective and you can have deep conversations with her. Sometimes this amazes me.
~ incredibly smart but not just book smart or school smart, she is life smart. Even in her 14 years.
~ so very talented and creative. We try to nurture this creativity as much as we can by painting with her, crafting and she loves to draw.
I also love the relationship Star Girl has with her parents in the book. It meant alot to Mr. CSI and I that she would ask us to read it and then when we were talking about it after, she said that she loves the parents and thinks we are like them. This taught me a lesson about kids and what they want from us. What they truly crave is to connect with us in their own way. For our teenager, that is by doing what she loves which is reading. It’s like our own little book club. The fact that we took the time to read what she loved, meant so much to her. Even if Dad got funny looks at the gym while reading it on an Elliptical. Way to go, Dad!
So, I decided to take one of her favorite parts of the book and make it come to life. In the book, Star Girl, has a Happiness Wagon. Each day, if she is having a bad day she takes out some stones. Or if she is having a good day, she puts in stones. The reference in the book says, “Today was a 10 stone day.” Meaning she had a good day.
So, I wanted our very own Star Girl to have her own Happiness Pail. I looked all over for wagon but no such luck. So, a pail it was.
I got this cute pail and stone that says “smile” at Michael’s.
I found it in their summer decor section. So much cuteness!
I simply added vinyl lettering. I thought the “smile” stone would help remind her to smile, to be happy, to know we love her!
If you have a teenage girl, I would highly recommend this book.
If you want to make this book come to life, then try out my Happiness Pail or wagon. Couldn’t be more easier and your Star Girl would love it.
This book brings many unique and endearing characters together at the end for an enchanting morning to celebrate the Summer Solstice. It is a beautiful reminder that our lives don’t have to be complicated or constantly busy for us to be happy. Reminded me that what matters most in life is the relationships we have, the love we find in all people and all about finding our inner Star Girl!!!!
Now, we are in the process in planning our own Summer Solstice party to celebrate the changing of a season and to enjoy the beautiful nature around us.
And yes, our own Star Girl is the party planner.
This summer, take the time to create your own family book club. You will learn from your kids, I promise. You will also open up a dialogue to openly discuss and share feelings with your kids and you will have a lot of fun in the process.
Yes, it takes time to read these books and you may sacrifice, but I am also learning that kids are growing up so fast. Which makes connecting with them no matter how busy you are totally worth it!
Ok, I am off to find my inner Star Girl!
Even us older women can find our inner shine!
Go on! Be a Star Mom! Or maybe a Star Grandma, Star Aunt! Star Dad, perhaps?
Remember to Create, Share and Always Inspire!
Get your own copy of Love, Star Girl below.