A Bridge to the Stars (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780440240426)

This poignant novel explores how a unilateral decision can change a life.

Two things are hard for Joel Gustafson to cope with: not knowing why, and not being able to do anything about it. Joel's father was once a sailor who lived by the sea. Joel's mother once lived with them. Joel's father abandoned the sea. Joel's mother abandoned Joel and his father.

While looking out his window one night, Joel sees a lonely dog on the street. Joel spots the animal again and begins sneaking out night after night, trying to find it. During these nocturnal outings, Joel discovers aspects of life he has never imagined. And then one night he discovers that his father's bed, too, is empty.

As Joel investigates his father's mysterious absences and continues to search for the dog, he discovers his own inner strength and learns about adult disappointments and needs.

Author: Henning Mankell
ISBN-10: 0440240425
ISBN-13: 9780440240426
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Language: English
Published: 08/11/2009
Pages: 176
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.35lbs
Size: 8.25h x 5.50w x 0.40d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 119688 / Bridge to the Stars

About the Author
Henning Mankell is the prizewinning and internationally acclaimed author of novels for both adults and young people. His adult novels dominate bestseller lists across Europe. Born in a village in northern Sweden, Mankell divides his time between Sweden and Africa, where he works with AIDS-related charities. He is also director of Teatro Avenida in Maputo, Mozambique. Mankell's companion novels about Joel and his father are Shadows in the Twilight, When the Snow Fell, and Journey to the End of the World.