Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THIS STAR WON'T GO OUT

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THIS STAR WON'T GO OUT

Esther Earl with Lori and Wayne Earl

A memoir of a teenager who died of thyroid cancer; the inspiration for "The Fault in Our Stars."

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to emotionally prepared middle-grade and teen readers because cancer, dying, bereavement, medical treatment, and family grief are central, though sexual content and strong language are limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Religious themes3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The book centers on the author's terminal cancer diagnosis and eventual death, and the subsequent grief of her family.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional very mild, age-appropriate colloquialisms.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Faith and prayer are sources of comfort for the family during their ordeal.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mention of adolescent crushes and deep platonic friendships.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Cancer treatment, hospitalization, decline, and death may feel upsetting or frightening, but there are no horror creatures or sustained scary scenes.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Demonstrates immense courage in facing medical treatments and mortality.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Writing, blogging, music, humor, imagination, and creative self-expression are important parts of Esther’s identity and coping.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Features a loving, supportive family and friend network.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the teenage experience with chronic illness.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

The book is saturated with deep empathy and kindness within a family unit.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasis on finding joy, connection, and purpose amidst suffering.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Esther is portrayed as an insightful, brave, and deeply loving role model.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THIS STAR WON'T GO OUT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THIS STAR WON'T GO OUT, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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The Red Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1890Ages 14+The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 12+The Brown Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1904Ages 10+The Crimson Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1903Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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