A Ceiling of Stars

by Ann Howard Creel

In a series of letters and journal entries, twelve-year-old Vivien describes being abandoned by her mother and struggling to survive on the streets of a big city while searching for her family

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult

85 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Ann Howard Creel writes guaranteed heart-wrenching historical fiction. In her novels, strong female characters face unforeseen obstacles and then have to make life-changing decisions.

After first writing for children, she turned her attention to Historical Fiction. Her first novel for adults, THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie on CBS. Her recent titles have been Kindle bestsellers and include WHILE YOU WERE MINE, THE WHISKEY SEA, THE UNCERTAIN SEASON, THE RIVER WIDOW, and MERCY ROAD.

She now writes full-time. Ann's main characters are always strong women facing high-stakes situations and having to make life-changing decisions. Her historical settings have ranged from Victorian-era Galveston to World War II in New York City. Her latest novel, A LIFE CAME CALLING, coming in August 2025, takes readers to the Smoky Mountains near the end of World War II.

WHY I WRITE ABOUT WORLD WAR II
My biggest inspiration has been my parents, who lived the war. Due to the courage and unity of their time, they have been called "the greatest generation," and WWII has also been called "the last good war."

Reviews

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this about 8 years ago when I was 12 and to this day no book has made me cry harder since. Found it in a stack of old books my mother brought home from a friend who heard that I loved reading and devoured it in an evening. It's a special thing to find a story that sticks for you for so long.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully, lyrically written with an honesty that is always poignant but never Dickensian-waif-like, this book has a wonderful protagonist in Vivien, strong and vulnerable at once, with a gift for words and a way of finding hope even after the darkest of situations. The poetry of this book is haunting at times, and the writing at all times is compelling.

[Kymberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short easy read about a 12 year old girl whose father died, mother and her became homeless then her mother left to find a job and she couldn't find her. I think it's a great discussion book for kids to show them what it's like for someone who lives on the street.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed that there was no real conclusion.

[Melissa Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and chilling read.

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 10-year-old girl named Vivian finds herself homeless after her mother abandons her on the streets of Denver, This book doesn't shy away from the challenges of living on the street and ends abruptly. A good read for older American Girl fans.

[August (Dean's Version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

I have to say, I'm very disappointed in the ending of this. Where's the closure?

This was my childhood fave, and it aged well. This book is so incredibly good. I just was looking forward to closure and a happy ending. Sigh.

[Tyfanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline was great and I was able to feel the emotion when I first read it, I really want to read it again, but it was a great book.

[Jessica Arend · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a series of letters, a 12-year old is abandoned by her mother and becomes a street kid. Honest and hopeful, this book is serious enough without being too scary and I would recommend it for upper elementary to middle school.

[Jami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since I loved "The Magic of Ordinary Days" I thought I would love this too. It's written for teenagers and the subject is too sad for me. I don't like reading about abandoned children. (But then, who does?)

[Donna Ciccarelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for kids - pre-teens & teens, pretty much - about being homeless. Stephanie read it and really liked it so then I read it. I highly recommend it!

[Bridget]

This looks soo goodd!!
AGD!!!!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it so much I read it in like 2 or so days! it was very different then other books I've read!I REALLY RECOMEND IT!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep. Damn.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely for a more mature kinda kid. But nicely written and paced for a reluctant reader.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and beautiful. Don't read if you're having a bad day.