Stargazing by Jen Wang

Summary from Goodreads:

Moon is everything Christine isn’t. She’s confident, impulsive, artistic . . . and though they both grew up in the same Chinese-American suburb, Moon is somehow unlike anyone Christine has ever known.

When Moon’s family moves in next door to Christine’s, Moon goes from unlikely friend to best friend―maybe even the perfect friend. The girls share their favorite music videos, paint their toenails when Christine’s strict parents aren’t around, and make plans to enter the school talent show together. Moon even tells Christine her deepest secret: that she sometimes has visions of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars. Who reassure her that earth isn’t where she really belongs.

But when they’re least expecting it, catastrophe strikes. After relying on Moon for everything, can Christine find it in herself to be the friend Moon needs?

New York Times–bestselling author-illustrator Jen Wang draws on her childhood to paint a deeply personal yet wholly relatable friendship story that’s at turns joyful, heart-wrenching, and full of hope.

Review:

I saw this one going out a lot at my library, and it looked really cute, so I decided the next time it came across my desk, I’d take it home with me. I didn’t even realize it was done by the same person who did The Prince and the Dressmaker, one of my all time favorite graphic novels! I was not disappointed. This book was great. I read it (like all good graphic novels) in one sitting.

It definitely had a younger feel than The Prince and the Dressmaker. I would give this book to those looking for a good read-a-like for Smile or Sunny Side Up. It’s a friendship story that anyone can relate to, with themes of jealousy, family, empathy, and growth.

I loved the art. I loved that the characters aren’t perfect cookie cutter versions of what kids are supposed to look like. They aren’t all super skinny with perfect symmetrical faces. The characters still look cartoonish, but more authentic and relatable. It’s nice to see real girls in real shapes and sizes from different backgrounds. I can see lots of young girls reading this and seeing themselves in the pages.

I don’t want to talk too much about the plot because I feel like it’s hard to talk about, without giving a lot away. Just know that it’s sweet and believable. I can see a lot of young people loving this one and I’m always happy to have something to recommend to kids who need something after finishing all the Raina Telgemier books for the fifth time. I give this an 8/10.