Families who loved With a Star in My Hand: Rubén Darío, Poetry Hero by Margarita Engle often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager feels like an outsider or is struggling to process family rejection through a creative lens. This lyrical verse novel tells the true story of Rubén Darío, a Nicaraguan boy who was abandoned by his parents and raised by relatives, eventually finding his place in the world through the power of his pen. It is a deeply moving exploration of how art can serve as a bridge between loneliness and belonging. While the story touches on themes of grief and abandonment, it is ultimately a celebration of resilience and the birth of a literary revolution. Written in evocative poetry by Margarita Engle, the book is highly accessible for middle and high schoolers. It provides a sophisticated yet gentle way for parents to discuss cultural identity, the importance of finding one's unique voice, and the reality that our beginnings do not define our potential.
