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wren_in_black 's review for:
Stargazing
by Jen Wang
Stargazing by Jen Wang is a heartfelt and yet lighthearted graphic novel about friendship and figuring out who we are. It's just as beautiful, if not more so, than [b:The Prince and the Dressmaker|34506912|The Prince and the Dressmaker|Jen Wang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1494400495l/34506912._SX50_.jpg|46116413]. It's a completely different story. Although not representative of any queer personalities, it does still tackle identity - just from a different perspective. It does this beautifully.
This story follows Christine through a few short weeks of middle school, perhaps fifth or sixth grade. The story is not specific, which allows more students to relate and imagine Christine and Moon as the same age they are as readers. Christine's family cleans out the rental property behind their house and in move Moon and her mother. Moon and her mother have been down on their luck lately and are grateful to live next to Christine. Plus, the girls are the same age, so the parents hope they will become fast friends.
Fortunately, they do! Moon is not at all like straight-laced and academic Christine. She draws, paints her fingernails, isn't the best student, is Buddhist and vegetarian, and dances. Christine isn't familiar with any of these things. She spends her "free" time learning Chinese poetry and playing violin. These girls show each other new worlds and bond quickly over K-pop and new experiences. This is a beautiful friendship and feels both innocent and authentic.
This book tackles issues of parental expectations, building identities in a marginalized community, jealousy in friendships, and the fear of losing our friends for many reasons.
Even as a 29 year old white female, I see myself in both Christine and Moon and it's refreshing to see this story. I was jealous of my best friend at this age and the ease with which she could navigate crowds and make other friends. I was so afraid I'd lose her friendship. I also see myself in Moon. I'm a bit weird, and now that I'm older I'm as unapologetic about it now as she was in this story. Younger me would have loved this book and would have found it to be very hopeful.
** For teachers and parents - BUY THIS BOOK. Even elementary kids can read and understand the themes of this book. It can prompt great conversations. There is no inappropriate content and nothing that should give even elementary teachers or parents pause. **
This story follows Christine through a few short weeks of middle school, perhaps fifth or sixth grade. The story is not specific, which allows more students to relate and imagine Christine and Moon as the same age they are as readers. Christine's family cleans out the rental property behind their house and in move Moon and her mother. Moon and her mother have been down on their luck lately and are grateful to live next to Christine. Plus, the girls are the same age, so the parents hope they will become fast friends.
Fortunately, they do! Moon is not at all like straight-laced and academic Christine. She draws, paints her fingernails, isn't the best student, is Buddhist and vegetarian, and dances. Christine isn't familiar with any of these things. She spends her "free" time learning Chinese poetry and playing violin. These girls show each other new worlds and bond quickly over K-pop and new experiences. This is a beautiful friendship and feels both innocent and authentic.
This book tackles issues of parental expectations, building identities in a marginalized community, jealousy in friendships, and the fear of losing our friends for many reasons.
Even as a 29 year old white female, I see myself in both Christine and Moon and it's refreshing to see this story. I was jealous of my best friend at this age and the ease with which she could navigate crowds and make other friends. I was so afraid I'd lose her friendship. I also see myself in Moon. I'm a bit weird, and now that I'm older I'm as unapologetic about it now as she was in this story. Younger me would have loved this book and would have found it to be very hopeful.
** For teachers and parents - BUY THIS BOOK. Even elementary kids can read and understand the themes of this book. It can prompt great conversations. There is no inappropriate content and nothing that should give even elementary teachers or parents pause. **