The boy, the wolf and the stars by Shivaun Plozza

Penguin Random House Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760893453.
(Age: 9-12) Highly recommended. Bo is a young boy, abandoned by his mother at an early age and taken in by an old woodcutter. But to the nearby villagers Bo is looked upon as cursed because he survived a night in the dark without being eaten by the ravenous Shadow creatures that have inhabited the dark since the Wolf ate the stars. Mads feeds and cares for Bo as long as he does his chores. One day, when Bo loses the special powder that he must spread around the oldest tree in the forest, the magical tree begins to die. Unknowingly Bo has unleashed a giant wolf who comes to find Mads hoping to get the keys that will release his brother wolf (who ate the stars). On his deathbed, after fighting the wolf, Mads sets Bo the task of finding the keys and releasing the stars to save the world from the bad magic.
An elaborate quest begins and has so many unexpected twists and turns that it is a difficult book to put down. The story is set in a complex world and the book includes a helpful map and pages that explain the history of the land of Ulv. There are marvelous characters who join Bo on his mission: Bo's best friend Nix, the little fox who seems to be able to communicate with Bo and keeps him safe. Tam, a fearsome Korahku, half bird half man and sworn enemies of the Irin (Bo's people). And Selene, the very imaginative, and orphan girl who is trying to hide her magic powers.
Bo puts himself down constantly through the story and often voices the fact that no-one has ever cared for him enough to miss him. But slowly he comes to realise his anger at Mads, his mother and his situation needs to change for him to be truly happy and have a fulfilling life.
The book has a powerful message for children who need a boost to self-esteem, and it would make a great read-aloud to middle and upper primary students. Themes: Good and evil, Fear, Locks and Keys, Magic, Rejection.
Gabrielle Anderson