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Monday, March 16, 2020

Stargazing by Jen Wang

Graphic Novels Win Awards


This year's winner for the Asian Pacific American Book Award for Children's Literature was Stargazing by Jen Wang. It is the story of a Chinese-American girl named Christine who meets Moon who is very different from her. 

Christine's family is Christian, strict and high expectations. Moon is Buddist, outgoing, confident, and has visions of celestial beings from the stars. Christine and Moon become friends but suddenly Moon is very sick. Christine has to figure out how this friendship can survive their differences. 

The author had a health situation when she was young that she draws upon for this story. It isn't a memoir but some of the storylines come from Wang's personal experiences.  She is able to show us that there are great differences in culture within the culture of the Chinese American and to notice the shades within a group of people. 

I really liked this book and rated it a 4 out of 4. It is a good choice for upper elementary students. I would call it a realistic school story. 

  • Age Range: 8 - 12 years
  • Grade Level: 3 - 4
  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • Publisher: First Second (September 10, 2019)


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