Meixing and her family have arrived in a new country to pursue a life with more opportunities and yet, their overwhelming feeling is they don’t belong, particularly as they don’t speak the language. It feels like they have lost more than they have gained in this new land. Meixing finds school terrifying and new friendships elusive; she wants to fit in but all she does is stand out.

An old glasshouse at the back of their new home becomes a refuge, a place where her imagination can flourish. Here Meixing is able to enter a world where the past, present and future mix, and where seeds of hope spring and ghosts can eventually be laid to rest. This is a hopeful novel and even when Meixing seems overwhelmed by her circumstances, I always felt she would quietly and steadfastly rise above the difficulties.

A Glasshouse of Stars illuminates the hardships of immigrants, the loss of a way of life, and the importance of family and friendships. Meixing faces all these challenges but then begins to build a new world for herself with persistence and the help of a few good people. Shirley Marr is a first-generation Chinese– Australian writer who wants people to understand the immigrant experience and this fine story beautifully conveys some of what newcomers to this country can encounter. I loved this book and will look forward to recommending it to ages 9–12.

Alexa Dretzke is the assistant manager and children’s book buyer at Readings Hawthorn.