Written by Ryan Jacobson
Illustrated by Michelle Hazelwood Hyde
Published by Adventure Publications, April, 2023
Mom's Review
The constellations on the cover caught my attention, and when I read the synopsis and saw the main character uses a wheelchair, I l thought, "Up Where the Stars Are has great potential!" I was not let down!
During a stargazing excursion, Andrew's father identifies several autumn constellations, prompting Andrew's imagination to take flight. He imagines floating up to the stars, meeting mythical Andromeda and Pegasus, among others, and becoming embroiled in the struggle to free Andromeda from her captor. Andrew wordlessly resolves the crisis through laughter and smiles; a happy demeanor is often a characteristic of Angelman Syndrome, which is why Andrew is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair.
Anyone who enjoys gazing up at the heavens can identify with Andrew's interest, and imaginative kiddos will be drawn into the excitement of freeing Andromeda. Furthermore, I wouldn't be surprised if Up Where the Stars Are prompts further reading of Greek myths. And as far as Andrew's Angelman Syndrome is concerned, he's just a kid on an adventure using his particular abilities to confront obstacles.
Between the astronomy, the adventure, and the representation, Up Where the Stars Are is an excellent option for imaginative little stargazers (or any young audience, really)!
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Back matter explains what Angelman Syndrome is and how children with AS will enjoy the same things as kids without AS, but may communicate or get around in a different way. Readers are encouraged not to be daunted by disabilities when making new friends; discomfort is acknowledged and legitimized, and children are given express suggestions for interacting with someone who has such differences. Up Where the Stars Are handles a disabled hero in a very matter of fact way - AS is just a trait the person has, like freckles, an aptitude for sport, or a mushroom allergy; it might set them apart from their peers in some way, but is neither a reason for pity nor sanctification.
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