Starlight in a Dark Sky

Set in the uncertain months after 9/11, Starlight in a Dark Sky: Breadcrumbs to the Stars is a heartfelt coming-of-age novel about resilience, self-expression, and the quiet bravery found on the Homefront. Sixteen-year-old Eli Fomes is familiar with the invisible weight carried by military families. When her father's deployment extends far longer than expected, she must navigate shifting friendships, growing responsibilities, and a community that feels suspended in time.

To cope, Eli creates a secret zine that becomes a private space for honesty and reflection. What begins as a quiet project grows into something that connects students across her school who also feel unseen. With the help of old friends, new friendships, and late-night stargazing set to early 2000s mixtapes, Eli discovers how small acts of creativity can offer light during uncertain seasons.

This novel offers teachers, librarians, and teens a thoughtful exploration of identity, belonging, and the strength young people find in each other. Perfect for readers who enjoy The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Eleanor and Park, The Things We Leave Behind, and The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise.

"A nostalgic, heartwarming look at adolescence in a military family, filled with the emotions and rhythms of life on the Homefront."

Stars and Stripes (Living Section, Oct 24, 2025)

Also featured in Stars and Stripes, the global newspaper connecting U.S. service members and families worldwide.