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careinthelibrary 's review for:

Stargazing by Jen Wang
3.0

3.5 stars

This new graphic novel from the author of Prince and the Dressmaker is so sweet and has a great message. It's a story of friendship, cultural and religious identity, and belonging. A quiet exploration of difference that nevertheless was touching and heartfelt. I can feel how much this book will mean to young Asian-American kids — Own Voices stories are so important and do resonate (author Jen Wang is Buddhist Asian-American like one of the main characters in this novel). Very subtly handles issues like prejudice and hierarchies within a culture (who is "Asian enough", what traits makes someone "authentic"?).
I didn't feel the same way about this as I did her previous title though. Something about it was too simplistic and didn't go deep enough. I would have loved a little more about culture, religion, and self expression. The ending came up too fast and out of left field.

Overall, such a heartwarming story that I know will please readers of Prince and the Dressmaker even if it isn't quite as good.