Stargazing

Stargazing
Jen Wang
First Second, September, 2019 224 pages
Grades 3-7
Graphic Novel

Christine is a traditional Chinese-American daughter. She plays violin, does well academically, and obeys her parents in every way. When Moon moves next door, everything changes. Moon is everything Christine isn't: carefree, creative, and fearless. The most interesting thing is that Moon talks to celestial beings, who convince her that she belongs more to them than the planet earth. The two girls become unlikely friends. When school starts, Moon's confidence brings her popularity, even though she is different, and Christine feels a little jealous. Suddenly, everything changes as a medical tragedy strikes. Christine feels really weird and struggles with how to relate to her friend. Finally, she processes her feelings, figures it out and all is well that ends well.

This middle grade graphic novel from the highly popular teen author of The Prince and the Dressmaker will be equally as successful. Though written for a younger audience and more contemporary, Wang still throws in some gender-bending touches, as Moon is very androgynous, yet extremely comfortable in her own skin. Fans of smile and other graphic memoirs will appreciate this autobiographical account of the author's own experiences, complete with a note and actual photos at the end. Drawn with a manga feel, this graphic novel will be presented in full color and is well designed for the intended audience. Readers will draw from Moon's confidence and will hopefully learn to embrace that which makes them special, even if it does not align with cultural or familial expectations. The medical crisis comes as a surprise and readers will gasp and worry until the situation is resolved. Both characters are likable and relatable and this title is sure to find an eager audience. I plan on buying two, as it feed my insatiable fans of Roller Girl, Awkward, Real Friends, and Pashmina and Be Prepared.