• Age: 14 to 18
• Grade: 9 to 12
• Reading age: 7 to 10

Christine and Danelle have been best friends forever, a relationship as seemingly infinite as the glow-in-the-dark stars they have affixed to their bedroom ceilings. Lately, though, the girls have been drifting apart, as Danelle's quirky moods turn into wild and reckless acts. At first Christine wonders if her friend is on drugs, but what kind of drugs make you climb a rooftop one moment and send you into the depths of despair the next? The truth behind Danelle's ups and downs is far more complex and dangerous than Christine ever could have anticipated. Ceiling Stars is a moving story about the strength and limits of friendship in the presence of mental illness.

SANDRA DIERSCH has taught writing courses to British Columbia students and aspiring adult writers. She has written eight books to date, including Offside! and Home Court Advantage, both Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice selections. She lives in Maple Ridge, B.C., with her husband and young daughter.

www.sandradiersch.com

Sandra Diersch's profile page

"This eye-opening book takes a look at mental illness and the toll it takes on teens...Anyone who has ever suffered from depression or dealt with someone who was depressed will be able to relate. Recommended."

Kliatt

"Diersch navigates the uncomfortable subject of teenage mental illness in a realistic manner that can be easily understood by young readers.... For a short novel, Ceiling Stars covers a lot of ground. Parents, teachers and teenagers can be both entertained and informed by Diersch's straightforward and sometimes amusing handling of this sensitive subject."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A sensitive exploration of teen relationships."

Infolink

"Sandra Diersch's novel Ceiling Stars is not to be missed. It is true to life, with highly appealing characters, authenticity and insights, but also humour and warmth. Highly recommended."

Hi-Rise

"[Ceiling Stars is fast-paced and has good character development and natural dialogue. The theme of friendship is incorporated into the story in a realistic way without being too obvious. Suitable for reluctant readers."

School Library Journal

"Diersch does not allow her characters to wallow in despair; the writing is reflective, simple and fast paced."

Resource Links

"[Teens will love this realistic novel about friendship, betrayl, and romance. It is an excellent tool to demonstrate the destructive effects of bi-polar and depression. This current novel will keep the readers in suspense up to and through the climax of the story."

The SouthWestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group