Indigo's Star

This is a great family story, with all the bumps and scrapes left in. Nobody loves their siblings all the time! These kids each have their own lives and interests, but care about each other, too. Indigo's experiences with school and friends and sisters are totally believable, even when you can't believe they're happening. From bullies to stars, to music and friends, it all rings true. Read Saffy's Angel and Permenant Rose, too. They are all great books, but Indigo's Star may be the best.

Living as a 21st Century 12 year old boy can be tough. Especially when you're bullied relentlessly. Just like Indigo Casson. Indigo is different, herefore a perfect target for abuse. His head is flushed in toilets by a group of controlling, mean-spirited boys, just because he is different. But then he meets Tom, an American boy visiting England, and everything changes. Tom is a shock to everyone. With his non-chalant demeanor and blank expression, he is a difficuly one to figure out. Yet he is victimised as well. But the bullies soon learn that Tom Levin is not one to be reckoned with. He begins a quick friendship with Indigo's younger sister, Rose. This book is a touching masterpiece. And completely worth the time.

This book was very enjoyable to read. The characters are very quirky, but are also very endearing. They often do funny things, but they take care of each other. The family portrayed is very unconventional, but exists as a very positive family unit. While this book has its funny parts, it also has an important message about bullying. The bully is represented as a caricature through most of the book, with a mindless group of followers. The book brings readers to question how the bully gets his power and why the followers are there. I have not read Hilary McKay's other novels about the Casson family, but I am looking forward to doing so. I am also looking forward to recommending this novel to my students.

Truly amazing. I loved this story! Hilary McKay used great intriguing details and words. She made me feel for the characters, and at one point I was actually crying! I would give it two thumbs up. I started to feel that I was there with Indigo and the other charcters. I felt that they were a part of me, that their feelings were my feelings. I was amazed.

I picked up a copy of Indigo's Star in a bookstore and sat down to look it over. A couple of hours later I was well into the story and I knew I couldn't leave without my own copy. This book is, in a word, perfect. The characters are one of a kind, the story is funny and warm-hearted, and all in all it has that special flavor that can only be found in the pages of a book by Hilary McKay. Read this book! You won't be disappointed.