Chanel Miller will release her third book, a middle-grade novel, next year.
Philomel will publish the author and artist’s The Moon Without Stars in the winter, the press announced in a news release. In the book, the publisher says, Miller “explores the glorious mess that is middle school—and the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering.”
Miller made her literary debut in 2019 with the memoir Know My Name, an account of her sexual assault by a Stanford University student who served only three months in a county jail for the crime. Miller’s book won the National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography.
Miller published a children’s book, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, last year. In a starred review, a Kirkus critic called the book “wildly funny, charming, and deeply heartfelt.” The book received a Newbery Honor from the American Library Association.
The Moon Without Stars, Philomel says, follows Luna, a seventh grade girl who becomes popular at school after a zine she published with her best friend takes off. The press calls the book “a contemporary novel that feels like today’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”
Miller announced her new book on Instagram, writing, “Did my best to honor the turbulent inner lives of middle schoolers. I’m really proud of this one and hope you enjoy it. To celebrate, here’s a yearbook photo of me, 6th grade, spooning yoplait, sporting pineapple silk pajamas & Skechers.”
The Moon Without Stars is scheduled for publication on January 13, 2026.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
