Number the Stars

When Anastasia’s parents announce the family’s move from the city to the dreaded suburbs, Anastasia fears that life as she loves it will come to an abrupt end. Once there, of course, the resilient 12-year-old falls for her new home and becomes just as involved with new friends and neighbors.

10-year-old Anastasia is quite content as the only (and quite self-assured) child of professional parents. But she is not so happy and not so nice after she learns that she is to become a sister. Anastasia’s lists organize her thoughts and create humor in this first book of the series.

When a boy from an abusive home is placed in foster care with an old woman, he brings with him his troubles — an invitation to the Sinisteeds, nighttime visitors to humans who gather memories good or not so good. Tough, timely topics are handled in a straightforward telling in this compelling and credible fantasy.

Jonas’s world is perfect: no crime, no pain, no illness. Like other 12-year-olds in this society, Jonas prepares for his assignment in the adult world. What Jonas learns in his new and special role as Receiver of Memory shatters his complacency and jumpstarts a journey into the unknown.