Louise

Hawes

The Language of Stars

Sarah is forced to take a summer poetry class as penance for trashing the home of a famous poet in this fresh novel about finding your own voice.

Sarah’s had her happy ending: she’s at the party of the year with the most popular boy in school. But when that boy turns out to be a troublemaker who decided to throw a party at a cottage museum dedicated to renowned poet Rufus Baylor, everything changes. By the end of the party, the whole cottage is trashed—curtains up in flames, walls damaged, mementos smashed—and when the partygoers are caught, they’re all sentenced to take a summer class studying Rufus Baylor’s poetry…with Baylor as their teacher.

For Sarah, Baylor is a revelation. Unlike her mother, who is obsessed with keeping up appearances, and her estranged father, for whom she can’t do anything right, Rufus Baylor listens to what she has to say, and appreciates her ear for language. Through his classes, Sarah starts to see her relationships and the world in a new light—and finds that maybe her happy ending is really only part of a much more interesting beginning.

The Language of Stars is a gorgeous celebration of poetry, language, and love from celebrated author Louise Hawes.

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 978-1481462419

Reviews

“Hawes’ simple, lovely poetry illustrates Sarah’s inner journey as her rocky relationships with estranged parents, friends, and boyfriend change. This is a tale of forgiveness, listening to the world, and looking beyond the surface.”  —Booklist                              

“Full of poetry and ideas, Sarah’s narration has an exuberant innocence, bringing a fresh and joyful quality to a story about a girl learning to love the possibilities that come with independence: the chance to discover one’s true self and desires, while forging a path forward that might fulfill them.” —Publishers Weekly

“Hawes excels in crafting rounded characters with varied home situations teens can relate to, and poems infused throughout the narrative offer poetic points of attachment as well as examples of different writing techniques (group- and free-writing, donning blindfolds, etc.) budding writers might attempt.” —Kirkus 

“Its approach and writing style remind this reviewer of ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE. In other words, it is as much for adults as it is for teens…Hawes has a great ear and a tender sense of transcience that comes alive in the poetry and character of Mr. Baylor. Pick up the book for the story. Keep it for the poetry.” —English Plus Language Blog

 

“Readers will find much to savor in this book, an inspiring redemption story and an ode to the transformative power of verse.” —Horn Book

“An excellent and witty plot with a different sense of style…weaving together the story, sounds Sarah hears around her, and poems.” —School Library Connection