The Stars Beneath Our Feet is about 12-year-old Wallace "Lolly" Rachpaul growing up in Harlem in New York City. The book begins Christmas Eve a few months after Lolly's big brother Jermaine was tragically killed in a gang-related shooting. The story follows Lolly as he channels his grief into creativity. This inspirational story of family, tragedy, and resilience demonstrates the healing power of art, community, and friendship.
Have students make a text to self connection to The Stars Beneath Our Feet by choosing their favorite quote or scene and illustrating what it means to them.
Storyboard Text
FAVORITE QUOTE in THE STARS BENEATH YOUR FEET
Big Rose repeats a poetic phrase her grandmother taught her throughout the book. Rose and Lolly are both grieving and dealing with traumatic loss: Rose's mother committed suicide and Lolly's brother was killed by gang violence. Both find solace in creating. They build elaborate Lego cities in the storage room of the after-school program and find comfort and healing in the process. Rose makes an exact replica of St. Nicholas Projects and she adds stars to the bottom of her buildings to represent all the people who have died.
“Rosamund, when you die, they bury you, but your soul flies to the stars. Your mama, your daddy—they were buried under the ground but they’re stars now, girl, stars beneath our feet.”