The Moon Without Stars

Gr 6 Up–Luna Noon, a seventh grader who is white and Chinese, begins the school year feeling sure of herself and her friendships. She notices that many of her peers do not feel as confident. Together, she and her best friend, Scott, start creating zines to help classmates navigate middle school life. When Luna is drawn into the popular crowd, however, her writing shifts from offering support to publishing “fix-its,” highlighting the flaws others should supposedly correct. As tensions rise and her relationships begin to fall apart, Luna must confront her choices. Miller (Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All) writes Luna’s voice with authenticity and warmth, capturing the awkward humor, emotion, and self-discovery that define early adolescence. The novel addresses sensitive but essential topics, including self-image, physical development, bullying, grief, and mental health, providing insight and a helpful step towards getting past the stigma surrounding such topics. Everyday experiences, like shaving or bra shopping, are portrayed with honesty and empathy, helping readers feel seen and understood. Luna’s biracial identity adds nuance to her character, and the undefined racial or ethnic makeup of the popular group functions to keep the focus of the story on the pressure that comes from some social circles. Despite the book’s abrupt ending, Luna’s unique perspective brings readers a thoughtful exploration of friendship, identity, and the pressure to conform. This is a thoughtful novel that will resonate with those navigating their own paths toward self-acceptance.