In her author's note for The Moon Without Stars Chanel Miller says: "Ask any adult if they remember middle school, and you'll realize they're carrying memories that profoundly shaped their sense of self. We can recall that exciting and achy time; enduring small humiliations, strengthening our perspectives, scavenging for bits of confidence, laughing uncontrollably, hurting from rejection, and wondering if who we were becoming was enough."
The charm of the narrative is that it embodies that time in life marked by new experiences and surroundings when small events take on oversized significance, emotions can shift so suddenly, and misunderstandings and mistakes seem impossible to come back from. It's an Are You, God? It's Me, Margaret. for the twenty-first century.
Luna starts middle school content to be in the background with only one friend, Scott, her long time bestie. Then a series of events gives her a chance to bond with the popular girls. She enjoys spending time with her new friends and ditches Scott. When the girls turn against her she's painfully alone.
And first menstruation plays a major role.
The Moon Without Stars is a wonderful read for girls starting or not far from starting middle school because Luna's experience will be very relatable and engaging, hopefully showing them they're not alone in awkwardness and uncertainty.
On a purrrsonal note, before I went from elementary school to junior high my world fell apart. My sister, Harriet, became severely brain damaged from spinal meningitis. My parents' marriage became even more dysfunctional. My mom became totally invested in getting Harriet back to normal. I became invisible in my own home. A week or so before I started high school we moved to a much bigger city. I had to give up not only my home, my ocean, my community, and my friends 💔 😢, but my beloved animal companions including my ocelot. Not good transitions.
Yesterday the weather was gorgeous. At least in the 50s with abundant sunshine. I was able to work outside in shorts and a tee shirt 👕. First time this year. I saw my first spider, a cute, tiny yellow one. And some of my last year's flowers are trying to bloom again.
A great big shout out goes out to my readers. I'm sure many of you are as eager for spring as I am.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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