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Monday, January 13, 2020

Stargazing, by Jen Wang. First Second, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2019. $16.99 ages 8 and up

"I hear that kid might have
a black eye.
He lost his tooth.
I didn't realize Moon was
so strong.
That's because Moon was way
bigger than Gabriel.
She was just trying to stand up
for my sister.
I know! I'm just saying. The rumors
are true - Moon beats people up."

When Moon and her mother, who are experiencing financial difficulties, are invited to move into the extra unit in Christine's family home, she is not sure what to think. Her family knows very little about them. Christine has heard rumors.

"You see that girl that just walked in?
Don't go near her. I hear she beats people up."

The two attend the same school, and are as different as different can be. Christine works hard to live up the expectations of her Chinese American parents. She is quiet, well behaved and somewhat shy. Moon is loud, confident, is a Buddhist, a vegan, and loves art and music. In spite of their differences, the two become fast friends and spend endless time together. They share interests, stories, and love of family.

Moon encourages Christine to try things she has not experienced, including a few she knows are not what her parents expect of her. When her father notices she has painted her toenails, he is disappointed and shows it.

"Hey, Christine.

I'm glad you two are friends. But, just because Moon
does something doesn't mean it's right for you, too, okay?

You're different girls with different paths.
Remember who YOU are."

As Christine gets more serious about her schoolwork, Moon becomes more popular with the kids at school. It begins to affect their friendship. Christine does something meant to hurt Moon. Then, when it is discovered that Moon's odd bouts of curious behavior are a real medical problem, Christine realizes how much her friend really does mean to her.

Jan Wang creates characters whose expressions and body language are presented in such a way that readers become very familiar with their thoughts and moods. The doodles and extra drawings add interest and teach readers a bit more about each girl. Middle graders will see themselves in this fine graphic novel; especially those who are uncomfortable with their place in their own community.

In an afterword, Ms. Wang tells her readers that it is a 'totally fictional story' that has some relatable events from her own life. She, too, had a brain tumor removed when she was very young following seizures that threatened her sight. She wants them to know that many young people struggle to find their own personal place in the world, just as she did.                                                                         

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