Stargazing

StargazingBy Jen Wang

Christine comes from a strict Chinese-American family.  She plays the violin, goes to church and belongs to a Chinese language study group.  When Moon and her mother move in next door, Christine begins to open up and see the world in new ways.  

Moon loves K-pop, dancing and having lots of fun!  She convinces Christine to do crazy things like paint her toenails.  She also has “fantasies” about her “real family” in outer space.  

But Moon also comes with a lot of baggage.  She and her mother don’t have a lot of money and they have often struggled.  It’s even rumoured that Moon likes to beat people up, but that doesn’t seem to be true… at first.  Moon initially gets along with everyone, but it soon becomes clear that she won’t tolerate injustice or disloyalty.

Just as Christine is trying to figure out how she really feels about her new friend, Moon has a crisis that goes far beyond schoolyard friendships.  Christine is challenged to stand up and be the supportive friend that Moon really needs.  Can she do it?

Heartwarming and readable, this graphic novel will appeal to any kid who has ever faced difficult choices in friendship.  Stargazing is also funny and inspiring.

Highly recommended!