In a world obsessed with fame, Little Stars celebrates the unsung heroes—those whose quiet strength and steadfast kindness light up our everyday lives. Inspired by the true stories of her father and his beloved bachelor brothers, Jan Lefebvre weaves a tender, evocative narrative that brings to life the humble champions of Midwestern America.
Set against the backdrop of 1970s central Minnesota, the novel follows Sal Schmidt, a reserved maintenance worker whose unassuming life takes an unexpected turn. Tasked with caring for his mentally ill brother Art, Sal has long retreated into solitude, scarred by the betrayal of his past and the loss of a chance at love. But when a sudden moment of heroism thrusts him into the local spotlight, Sal finds himself forced to confront long-buried wounds and to dare to dream of romance and redemption.
Drawing from family lore and personal memory, Lefebvre paints a vivid portrait of life in a central Minnesota small town—a place where stories of moonshine runs, quiet perseverance, and the enduring lessons of decency come alive. The narrative also poignantly addresses the struggles of mental illness, exploring the impact of a loved one’s battle with OCD and the long shadows cast by outdated treatments.
