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milkpaper's review
4.0
lovely little novel about friendship and childhood, expectation and pressure, conflict and love.
although most of it was pretty nondescript writing-wise, the narrative was gorgeously crafted and there were some panels/moments that struck me and really elevated the novel.
although most of it was pretty nondescript writing-wise, the narrative was gorgeously crafted and there were some panels/moments that struck me and really elevated the novel.
jess_mango's review
4.0
Jen Wang's The Prince & the Dressmaker was one of my favorite books of 2018 so I was excited to pick up her new Middle Grade graphic novel, Stargazing.
Christine is a straight-laced girl and keeps herself busy with activities like playing the violin and weekly Chinese classes. When her family rents an in-law suite in their backyard to a single mom and her daughter Moon, Christine is at first a bit apprehensive. Moon is the same age as her but completely different. Moon is a free spirit who loves K-pop, dancing, singing, and drawing in her sketchbook. One of the things she draws is visions she has of celestial beings. Despite their differences, the two girls become close.
This was a cute story but I didn't love it quite as much as I loved The Prince & the Dressmaker. I will definitely keep my eye out for additional books by Jen Wang.
Christine is a straight-laced girl and keeps herself busy with activities like playing the violin and weekly Chinese classes. When her family rents an in-law suite in their backyard to a single mom and her daughter Moon, Christine is at first a bit apprehensive. Moon is the same age as her but completely different. Moon is a free spirit who loves K-pop, dancing, singing, and drawing in her sketchbook. One of the things she draws is visions she has of celestial beings. Despite their differences, the two girls become close.
This was a cute story but I didn't love it quite as much as I loved The Prince & the Dressmaker. I will definitely keep my eye out for additional books by Jen Wang.
dembury's review
4.0
"Stargazing" is heartfelt and wonderfully captures the beginning friendship between friends, along with friendships fears, benefits, and resilience. Seeing Christine and Moon bond and become friends was the best part of this book. <3 I personally thought some of the "big" plots points that link to the catastrophe hinted at in the blurb could have been either foreshadowed a little more or occurred sooner (the ending third of the book felt pretty rushed) but it is still a touching story! I will definitely be recommending this to some middle-grade readers!
her_mariaelena's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
avidreader12345's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
bethany6788's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ohhh @wangstagram hit me right in the feelings with this graphic novel. Loosely based around her experiences as a child, Wang tells the story of Moon and Christine, who struck up an unlikely friendship and what comes of that.
The art is visually stunning, as ever! The story is crisp and moves swiftly without ever feeling rushed. And that ending!? Consider me mush. It’s truly a gorgeous graphic novel and story.
The art is visually stunning, as ever! The story is crisp and moves swiftly without ever feeling rushed. And that ending!? Consider me mush. It’s truly a gorgeous graphic novel and story.
mehsi's review
3.0
An OK Graphic novel about two girls who become friends. But something just was missing for me and the characters weren't really my fav. A lot of conflicts could have been handled better if the girls had just talked. I wasn't a fan of Moon at times. I get that that is a great birthday gift, but can you imagine how your other friend feels? Who also loves that stuff? You could have understand that it may hurt her feelings. Maybe a CD or something else would have been better and then go to the concert with all three of you. I also wasn't a fan of the violence that Moon did. Oh a kid is bullying my friend's sister, let's beat them up. Oh someone makes fun of me, let's beat them up. :| Girl, please.
It did get better later on when we find out something about Moon and a tense period begins. I loved the talentshow and loved what our MC did there.
I am glad that our MC and her dad had that chat. Because it was definitely needed. I get that you want your kid to be the very best, but nail polish is really not going to do something bad. Neither will not knowing Chinese, if you push kids it may just go wrong.
The art was pretty great!
It did get better later on when we find out something about Moon and a tense period begins. I loved the talentshow and loved what our MC did there.
I am glad that our MC and her dad had that chat. Because it was definitely needed. I get that you want your kid to be the very best, but nail polish is really not going to do something bad. Neither will not knowing Chinese, if you push kids it may just go wrong.
The art was pretty great!