People Like Stars
by Patrice Lawrence
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8
Published by Scholastic
About this book
Three 13-year-old strangers are connected by one event years ago.
Ayrton was stolen when he was a baby. Only briefly, but even now, his mum won’t let him out of her sight, and he has no friends and no life. Stanley has a Forbidden Grandmother he’s not allowed to mention. And Senna and her mum are desperate not to upset their secretive, rule-loving landlady.
When Ayrton overhears Stanley say that his grandmother once stole a baby, the boys team up to track her down, even though both their mums will be upset. But there are more secrets surrounding this mysterious grandmother than they bargained for...
This gripping mystery is told from the point of view of all three teenagers. Patrice Lawrence is excellent at portraying real families, and here there are single parents, parents who aren’t married, parents struggling to survive financially and, of course, huge family secrets.
The reader will be enraged by Senna’s school punishing her for not being able to afford a new blazer, and have sympathy for Ayrton, who feels suffocated by his over-protective mother. This is ideal for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that feels real.
About the author
More books like this
-
The Nine Night Mystery
by Sharna Jackson
9 to 14 years
-
My Name is Sunshine Simpson
by G. M. Linton
9 to 14 years
-
The Super Sunny Murder Club
Various authors, illustrated by Harry Woodgate, edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens
9 to 14 years
-
Is that your mama?
by Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen
4 to 7 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Great Books Guide 2025-26: for 11+
Here’s a round-up of new children’s books from the last year, which we think any child aged 11+ will love
-
Books featuring homelessness
We have curated a list of books for mixed ages which explore themes of homelessness, offering readers a window into the lives of those who confront poverty and uncertainty every day yet who are all too often overlooked. These stories sensitively explore the complex situations that may lead to homelessness and shine a light on the extraordinary resilience, empathy and sense of community shown by those who find themselves in such challenging circumstances.
-
Books to read aloud to ages 10 and 11
A collection of gripping stories, powerful poetry and riveting non-fiction, ideal for reading aloud to children in upper Key Stage 2.