THE MOON WITHOUT STARS

After her zines launch her into the popular crowd, seventh grader Luna must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to stay there.

At an age when the awkwardness of simply existing is amplified by puberty, bookish Luna Noon enters middle school in the Bay Area feeling unremarkable. Eager to shed her self-perceived blandness, Luna, who’s white and Chinese American, turns to her closest (and only) friend, Scott Mango, to create zines that will shake things up. Blending Luna’s words with Scott’s drawings, the pair use their zines to bring comfort to students who are self-conscious about things like acne, eczema, periods, sexuality, and phobias. Soon, Luna’s writing catches the attention of the in crowd, who invite her to sit with them at lunch—with one catch. She must leave creative, sentimental Scott behind. At first, Luna splits her time between Scott and the cool kids. Soon, though, Scott is replaced entirely as she tries wearing makeup, gets invited to her first sleepover, and even begins dating. The cost of belonging, however, continues to rise as Luna is asked to set aside ever more important parts of herself. Authentic and raw, this story is at once a timeless account of growing up and a tale that’s specific to this generation. Readers will empathize with Luna’s sincere attempts to find herself and ache alongside her as she navigates her growing pains.

Genuine and poignant; has the makings of a modern classic.