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One Hundred Thirty Stars
Eleven-year-old Kelly “Birdie” Knotts has the perfect summer vacation planned: she’s finally going to visit her dad, Arthur. Birdie hardly knows him, but she has high hopes that he’ll be the one family member who understands her.
Too bad her vacation is nothing like she imagined it would be.
Arthur’s plans for their father-daughter visit revolve around a video game convention, where he dresses head-to-toe in costume and makes a boisterous scene every chance he gets. When he isn’t shouting gleefully in the hallways, he’s belting out off-pitch tunes in the karaoke room. Birdie’s new plan? Hide under a rock for life.
It’s impossible for Birdie to get to know Arthur when he insists that he’s a video game character. And if he doesn’t step up and start acting like a dad, it might be game over.
Too bad her vacation is nothing like she imagined it would be.
Arthur’s plans for their father-daughter visit revolve around a video game convention, where he dresses head-to-toe in costume and makes a boisterous scene every chance he gets. When he isn’t shouting gleefully in the hallways, he’s belting out off-pitch tunes in the karaoke room. Birdie’s new plan? Hide under a rock for life.
It’s impossible for Birdie to get to know Arthur when he insists that he’s a video game character. And if he doesn’t step up and start acting like a dad, it might be game over.
172 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Sly
4 books10 followersShelley Sly grew up in New Jersey, but considers the suburbs of Washington, D.C. her "hometown." She now lives in the hot, dry desert of the southwest with her husband and their chocolate lab mix. Three things she's a huge nerd about are children's books, indie music, and RPGs.
She writes middle grade novels about friendship, family, and figuring out where you fit in. She loves meeting new people, so feel free to message her, or visit her website at http://www.shelleysly.com for more ways to get in touch!
She writes middle grade novels about friendship, family, and figuring out where you fit in. She loves meeting new people, so feel free to message her, or visit her website at http://www.shelleysly.com for more ways to get in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 27, 2015
This story follows “Birdie,” although her real name is Kelly. Because of travel constrictions, she hasn’t seen her father in ages, although her mother allows her to email him. Email is not enough. The opportunity finally comes to get to know him when there’s a family vacation, and Birdie will see Arthur in full form. He takes her to a video game convention, where he dresses in costume because he’s a cosplayer.
At this convention, he is over the top, loud, singing, and attention seeking. Also, someone reveals to Birdie the real meaning behind the nickname he’s given her—she’d prefer Kelly instead. I kept reading to see if this relationship turns around since Birdie/Kelly had something else in mind, but this vacation is turning out all wrong.
Birdie’s conceptions were challenged, and we’ve all had high hopes clash with reality. This book is also appealing since many people desire a close relationship with their parents. Birdie is a female character, but this isn’t a girlie book. I believe boys would choose this book because of the video game angle. This is an enjoyable middle grade novel with many great qualities.
At this convention, he is over the top, loud, singing, and attention seeking. Also, someone reveals to Birdie the real meaning behind the nickname he’s given her—she’d prefer Kelly instead. I kept reading to see if this relationship turns around since Birdie/Kelly had something else in mind, but this vacation is turning out all wrong.
Birdie’s conceptions were challenged, and we’ve all had high hopes clash with reality. This book is also appealing since many people desire a close relationship with their parents. Birdie is a female character, but this isn’t a girlie book. I believe boys would choose this book because of the video game angle. This is an enjoyable middle grade novel with many great qualities.
March 20, 2015
Loved this story! Birdie is a fabulous character - so very alive, you wouldn't be surprised to meet her in real life! Birdie is in for a lot of surprises when she meets up with her dad for a long weekend during the summer. I loved the growth of the interactions between Birdie and Arthur. The supporting cast is excellent and watching Birdie interact, laugh, love, grow and learn is so much fun. A fantastic read!
March 23, 2015
Shelley Sly MUST write more books NOW. I'm addicted! She has a true talent for weaving conflict throughout her story, building up to the big moment when all seems lost. This story is about far more than gaming conventions--it's really about the complexities of blended families and the challenges fathers face in bonding with the daughters they only see occasionally. We're going to see a lot more from this author!
April 8, 2015
After thoroughly enjoying the first book from Shelley Sly, I was looking forward to reading this book! I was not disappointed. The characters, especially Birdie and Arthur, are so likeable and are so genuine, it was like I went home with them and experienced what Birdie was feeling during their visit. I think this book will have a wide appeal to both boys and girls, especially if they have an interest in video games.
March 31, 2016
This takes the embarrassing father thing to a whole other level! Funny and sweet and I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews