# The Fire of Stars

**Author:** Kirsten W. Larson
**Grade range:** Grades 4–8
**Age range:** 8–12
**First published:** 2023
**Genre:** Nonfiction
**ISBN-13:** `9781452173078`
**ISBN-10:** `1452173079`
**Canonical URL:** https://readinglist.school/book/the-fire-of-stars
**License:** [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) — please credit ReadingList.school when citing.

## About this book

A lyrical picture-book biography of astronomer Cecilia Payne — who discovered what stars are made of — told in parallel with the life cycle of a star itself. a 2026-2027 California Young Reader Medal (Picture Books for Older Readers) nominee.

## Themes

- science
- perseverance
- history

## Where this book is assigned

### California Young Reader Medal

- **recommended** · 4th grade · California — [source: California Young Reader Medal 2026-2027 Nominee List (Primary, Picture Books for Older Readers, Intermediate, Middle School/Junior High, Young Adult)](https://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/nominees)
- **recommended** · 5th grade · California — [source: California Young Reader Medal 2026-2027 Nominee List (Primary, Picture Books for Older Readers, Intermediate, Middle School/Junior High, Young Adult)](https://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/nominees)
- **recommended** · 6th grade · California — [source: California Young Reader Medal 2026-2027 Nominee List (Primary, Picture Books for Older Readers, Intermediate, Middle School/Junior High, Young Adult)](https://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/nominees)
- **recommended** · 7th grade · California — [source: California Young Reader Medal 2026-2027 Nominee List (Primary, Picture Books for Older Readers, Intermediate, Middle School/Junior High, Young Adult)](https://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/nominees)
- **recommended** · 8th grade · California — [source: California Young Reader Medal 2026-2027 Nominee List (Primary, Picture Books for Older Readers, Intermediate, Middle School/Junior High, Young Adult)](https://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/nominees)

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