Reading Jacqueline's work again has really made me think about why we stop reading certain authors at specific ages. Wilson is considered a children's and occasionally young adult writer, so should we stop reading books that engage and comfort us just because we've 'outgrown' their age range? In the last year I've found a love for YA books and I hope this year I will rekindle my love for more of Wilson's work. One fantastic addition since the days when I was a YA were some notes from the author detailing how the ‘adult’ themes in the book and the access to help available .

All the Hetty books are great but this is my second favourite (after the first and original) - the way it ties everything together from the previous books, how we meet again characters from the past and if we don’t meet them , they get a mention in Hettys memories. The relationship between Hetty and Diamond is so touching and you just know they will be together forever as sisters. I’m glad she met Bertie again and although I think she could do better, he’s certainly a better bet than sappy Jem!The book looks at quite challenging topics such as consent, abuse and forced adoption yet does so in a way which a younger reader will be able to absorb it without being traumatised. I will always wonder at her ability to understand and translate such tough subjects and emotions into her words so beautifully. Some good points is that the story overall was great, Hetty going and performing at a musical hall was not what I expected, especially with poor Diamond but that is what Jacqueline Wilson gave us and I am not disappointed, it even gave Hetty and Bertie time to catch up again and see their relationship bloom again like it did in the second book, I liked the idea of Hetty and Bertie in the end getting together and while the ending of little star's seem to hint that they do I would still love to see more of it. One story that I think did not get much attention this time is the story of Jem. His wedding was kinda swept under the rug and I would of loved to of seen more interaction between him and Hetty. It's obvious that he still has feelings for Hetty and did not want to get married, instead wanting to run away with Hetty, but Hetty forces him to get married which makes an unhappy story for Jem, which I find sad as I really saw them having a chance. But what I want most of all is for Bertie and Jem to meet. Hetty realised the circus was a tawdry place and determined to rescue Diamond from Beppo. Together the two girls fled on the clown’s penny farthing bicycle and set off in search of the Cavalcade Music Hall where they could make a better life for themselves by performing on the stage.

Little Stars is the fifth book in the Hetty Feather series by Jacqueline Wilson, and I think that it is a great way to end the series. Baby Love was everything I hoped for and more. While Jaqueline tells quite a horrific story it is done with beauty and care. The connection you feel with all of the characters is almost immediate and you can't help but feel your own heart break throughout the book. As always Jaqueline has this innate ability to weave an uncomfortable topic into a story that can be understood and felt by all. Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million! I’ve always been an avid reader of Jacqueline Wilson ever since I was young. I have so many positive memories of reading her books as a child (and even rereading them as an adult) and I’m so excited to read a book set for young adults and one of a more adult and sensitive subject too. I haven’t read a Jacqueline Wilson book in a few years and it was lovely to read one targeted at older readers. I found her writing to be just as engaging and well-paced as I did when I was a teenager, which surprised me. But I guess this just means she’s just an astounding writer no matter her audience.Bertie knows all about Jem, but Jem does not even know Bertie exists and I would love to see how they would react to each other if they meet which is why I hope Jacqueline Wilson will write another book on Hetty Feather, or have a follow up later on in life like she has done with Tracy Beaker!

A brilliant end-of-series novel, the sort with just the right amount of tragedy, love, adventure and excitement. - The Guardian Hetty Feather has begun a new chapter in her life story. Escaping from Tanglefield's Travelling Circus with her dearest friend Diamond, Hetty is determined to find them positions as glamorous music hall artistes.Edie finds herself in Victorian London. She feels the same, but everything around her is completely different to what she knows. Soon, she realises she's living the life of another Edie Trimmer - and is in danger of being sent to a real workhouse! Feel sad on two counts. 1) I’ve now finished the Hetty Feather series of 5 books, and 2) My 12 year old, who I was reading it with most nights at bedtime , says this is my last bedtime story 😭

Hetty is still the same person, but she is older and everything steps up a little. All of her little dreams seemed big when she was little, but now, given her circumstances in 'Little Stars' at the cavalcade and with acting, they seem so small compared with her dreams now. Being the Ringmaster at the circus in 'Diamond' was such a big and fantastic thing, but now looking at her being a professional actor it seems like her circus life was not professional and not proper. Now Hetty's life is real professional, despite her still being called a child. I did think some bits were very nitty gritty on the topic of Victorian London. I really liked how when something bad were to happen to Hetty/Diamond, you will generally feel saddened and sympathetic. I really liked how Hetty seemed to do a full circle, from the circus, to the music hall, to her foster home and in the end, living with Harry when she joins Marina Royal. London, 1876. Hetty Feather is just a tiny baby when her mother leaves her at the Foundling Hospital. The Hospital cares for abandoned children - but Hetty must first live with a foster family until she is big enough to go to school.

Diamond and Hetty become close friends and Hetty sews Diamond a new dress and tries to protect her. She becomes the new ringmaster and sews new costumes for Mr Tanglefield, the performing monkeys, and Diamond. They perform for the whole season, but when Diamond falls off the springboard and hurts herself, and is threatened by her master, Hetty takes Diamond and they run away. Hetty declares that she and Diamond will become music hall artistes after noticing the name "Flirty Bertie" (her old sweetheart Bertie's desired stage name) among the acts for the Cavalcade. Edie is fascinated by Victorian times, and she's just desperate to be cast in the lead role of her drama club production of Oliver. When she's given a real Victorian notebook she's determined to write the best story ever, all about a girl in a workhouse. But when she starts writing, something strange happens. Trying to keep up with Nina gets increasingly difficult as they venture out to cafes and movies in their school holidays. A trip to the local swimming pool begins with trepidation as Nina wears a bikini and a European holiday tan, and Laura squeezes into her old bathing suit with an anchor on her flat chest. This book is set around the 60s and I have learned through first hand experience how common place it was for people to hide secrets in this generation.