The story opens in May 1942, in Lidice, Czechoslovakia, where the Nazis have been in occupation for three years. The main character, Milada Kralicek, and her best friend, Terezie, are turning 11 years old. The pair spend every day together and many nights staring at the stars, which Milada loves. Milada’s birthday party includes the Kraliceks—Mama, Papa, Babichka (Milada’s grandmother), and Milada’s siblings, brother Jaro and baby sister Anechka—as well as Terezie’s family, two school friends, and a mean girl named Ruzha whom Milada’s mother insisted Milada invite.

Milada’s mother and father give her a telescope, and Terezie gives her a homemade movie poster. Milada is overwhelmed and grateful. The girls eat a berry dessert under a tree and try to ignore Ruzha’s mean comments. After dessert, the guests play tug of war and tag before helping to clean up.

After the party, Milada sits outside with Babichka. As Babichka brushes Milada’s hair, she tells Milada about the North Star and how it can always point one toward home. Milada loves hearing Babichka talk about the stars. After dark, Papa and Milada set up the telescope. Papa assures Milada that the Nazis will leave soon, and all will return to normal.