Reasons to Look at the Night Sky

by Danielle Daniel

A sensitive middle grade novel in verse about a space-obsessed girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut -- and begins to see the world differently when a substitute teacher enters her orbit.

Luna has always loved the night sky. She's an eleven-year-old who knows everything there is to know about space, and dreams of one day becoming an astronaut. The first step in her plan to get there is to ace the space unit in her science class and secure a spot in NASA's summer space camp.

But when Luna's teacher is unexpectedly replaced with a substitute, Ms. Manitowabi, who is looking to shake up science class by bringing in art, Luna's carefully laid plans are crushed. And that's not all that's shifting in Luna's life -- changes at home and in her friendships have her feeling topsy-turvy. What on Planet Earth is happening? 

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is an endearing, poetic look at the inner world of a middle schooler grappling with change from acclaimed author and illustrator Danielle Daniel.

Genres: Middle Grade, Poetry, Fiction, Novel In Verse, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Indigenous

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Neon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada | Tundra Books for the e-ARC of this very unique story: 'Reasons to Look at the Night Sky by Danielle Daniel.'

With it's unique style and plot, this book combines art, science and poetry to tell a story about Luna a young student who is obsessed with space. Join her and her friends as she garners conflicting emotions over changes happening throughout her life at school and at home.

This story covers all the things I love to see in a book. Major points for inclusivity with disabilities, people of colour and talking about emotion control and regulation.

This would be a great addition to any library.

[Emily Haage · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5+ ? (Goodreads, I need a more detailed rating system)

First, this cover is GORGEOUS. Straight up the reason I picked the book up. I was then delighted to find that this is a novel in verse.

11-year old Luna's dream is to attend NASA's summer space camp; that's just one step in her quest to become an astronaut.

Luna carefully plans her life and is unhappy with recent changes--mother's new job, no more Tuesday Taco Night, non-family members attending Family Game Night, a new seating chart, best friend problems, and now a long-term sub has taken over class just when they're about to start the space unit.

Ms. Manitowabi is shaking things up by combining art and science. Luna isn't sure how much more change she can handle.

Great middle-grade story about dealing with the unpredictability of life, making new friends, and exploring your passions.

The author did a nice job of making this story inclusive. For example, Ms. Maintowabi shares Sky Stories from her Ojibwe ancestors, Luna's father uses a wheelchair (but it's not a plot device of the story!), characters use they/them pronouns, and more.

[Caylie Ratzlaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.

This is such a good, short, lower middle grade verse novel. It combines Luna's love for space with the fearfulness that comes from change....a lot of change. Being 11 is already rough, so all of the changes impact Luna and we are in her mind with the verse novel set-up. I wish the format of the poems hadn't been messed up in the galley, but I did enjoy this.

I also like how it had an indigenous lens and made it clear that ALL stories should be told.

[Emma]

Cute idea

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canlit, kids’ lit, indigenous learning… what is not to love about this book? Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is a great book to introduce younger students to the holistic approach of indigenous teachings. It features 11 year-old Luna, who is a huge science nerd, and can’t stand the fact that her mother writes poetry. When her favourite teacher (also a science nerd) has to take a leave of absence, indigenous teacher, Ms. Manitouwabi enters the scene, and shows the students how science and art must work together in a scientific life. Full of tween angst and friend and family complications, this is fantastic read for grade 5 and 6 students or even Grade 7 - though the more discerning reader may find the simple conflict resolutions a little contrived. Most issues happily resolve themselves at the end of each chapter.

I will add this to my Grade 7 booklist as an easier but important read!

[Kelly (miss_kellysbookishcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Reasons to Look at the Night Sky
Author: Danielle Daniel
Genre: Middle Grade
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: October 29, 2024

T H R E E • W O R D S

Poetic • Sincere • Accessible

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Luna has always loved the night sky. She's an eleven-year-old who knows everything there is to know about space, and dreams of one day becoming an astronaut. The first step in her plan to get there is to ace the space unit in her science class and secure a spot in NASA's summer space camp.

But when Luna's teacher is unexpectedly replaced with a substitute, Ms. Manitowabi, who is looking to shake up science class by bringing in art, Luna's carefully laid plans are crushed. And that's not all that's shifting in Luna's life -- changes at home and in her friendships have her feeling topsy-turvy. What on Planet Earth is happening?

💭 T H O U G H T S

I'd previously loved Canadian author Danielle Daniel's novel Daughters of the Deer, so when she announced she'd be releasing a middle grade book about a girl obsessed with space I was in. The cover art for Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is absolutely stunning and represents the story beautifully.

Told in verse, this middle grade story intertwines Indigenous history with the facts of science and the creativity of art. I thought the author did a fantastic job crafting these elements together in a meaningful way. Luna is an 11-year-old girl with her eyes set on attending NASA's summer camp as the first step in reaching her dream of becoming an astronaut. Her character is struggling with so much change in her life (curriculum, friends, family dynamics), yet she adapts over time and soon learns change isn't always a bad thing.

I thought the verse format was highly accessible suiting the story perfectly, especially given this is a middle grade book. The prose is straightforward with artistic elements sprinkled throughout to add a layer of depth. Those stylistic choices really helped create a sense of emotion that wouldn't have happened written in typical novel format.

I enjoyed reading Reasons to Look at the Night Sky and thought it to be a relevant and endearing story for young readers. I appreciated how Luna learns to see the world differently when presented with an additional perspective. While change can be hard, oftentimes a lot of good can come from it. Highly recommend this one to young and old alike, and I definitely look forward to more from Danielle Daniel.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• space
• Indigenous teachings
• diverse casts

⚠️ CW: divorce

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"Sometimes it's the things we dislike that end up teaching us the most about ourselves."

"I am part science
Part art, bursting with stories
Love for the night sky"

[Pat Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers will be launched into Luna’s story through the magnificent swirls of purple and blue that grace the cover and will soar through an emotional exploration alongside the narrator. More than anything, eleven-year-old Luna wants to be an astronaut. She’s an all-facts, all science kind of girl. In the opening poem of Danielle Daniels novel in verse entitled “Eclipse,” the narrator’s words are prescient:
My parents say
I am part sonnet
part stars.
Born seven days early
on a clear crisp night
during a winter’s lunar eclipse
Readers don’t yet know that Luna is reticent to embrace her mother’s love of poetry but is all in with her astronomer dad. Readers do not yet know that Luna will resist so many life changes—at school, at home with family, and with friends. Therein is the beauty of good writing, when in the six opening lines, the author encapsulates the essence of the book – that obstacles which at first seem to eclipse all that Luna loves will, like the moon, go through phases and work out in the end. Briilliantly, Daniel structures the novel in eight sections, each named for a phase of the moon, and both poem titles and imagery throughout the free verse are rife with lyrical space language..
With her heart set on going to NASA’s summer space camp, Luna is devastated when a long-term substitute teacher, Ms. Manitowabi, upends the science project that Luna had counted on as her best hope to be accepted for the camp. Bringing in art? Really? And having to work with a partner who is not your best friend (and said friend seems to have disappeared anyway). And Mom working longer hours. It’s just too much. Daniel brings to bear her indigenous ancestry through Ms Manitowabi’s introduction of sky stories, which give science-crazed Luna that many more reasons to look at the night sky.

Thanks to the Tundra Team for the review copy.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel in verse. Eleven-year-old Luna exhibits some characteristics associated with being on the spectrum: she's obsessed with space to the exclusion of all else and loathes/doesn't deal well with change. Her goal is to become a NASA astronaut, and she's been looking forward to the 6th grade space unit for three years--it's especially important because getting an A will improve her chances of qualifying for space camp. So she's really thrown for a loop when they suddenly have a substitute, Ms. Manitowabi, who plans to change up the space unit by bringing in art and the "sky stories" of her First Nations people. As if that weren't devastating enough, Luna's best and only friend is befriending other people, for no reason Luna can understand, and Luna does not deal with it well. Is there any way she can salvage her project and her friendship? Will opening up the door to more possibilities change her world in a good way?

I enjoyed this one, which reminded me of a less-fraught "The thing about jellyfish." Luna's character is so clearly drawn and understandable, even when she's trampling on her friend's feelings and resenting being forced to try new things and meet new people. I loved the addition of the First Nations viewpoint, and how Luna instantly loved this addition to the night skies she already loved. Luna's father is in a wheelchair, too, which is representation not often seen in books. It's not a huge part of the story, but that's kind of the point. Overall, really enjoyable, and hopefully will interest more kids in outer space. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator's copy of the audiobook.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luna is eleven-years-old and knows everything about the night sky and space. She dreams of being an astronaut one day. The first step to her dream is acing the space unit in her science class so she can add it to her NASA summer space camp application.

But when Luna’s teacher suddenly has to take a leave of absence, substitute teacher, Ms. Manitowabi comes in and shakes up the entire science class unit by bringing art into science. But on top of science class changing, Luna is also dealing with changes not only at home, but within her relationship with her best friend. What on Earth is happening?

This is an adorable novel in verse middle grade read. Luna is easily identifiable as an eleven-year-old (beside the fact that she’s very proud of being as old as she is) and this story is definitely written with that audience in mind.

I enjoyed this read of Luna’s journey, especially her excitement and fascination with the sky stories from the First Nations people. Like Luna, I also agree those are important and need to be included in the history and knowledge of sky and space.

Overall, this novel in verse is an enjoyable read that is aimed towards middle grade readers, especially those who enjoy space - but also those who don’t because I feel like Luna does an excellent job at getting others excited for space too.

*Thanks Tundra Books and LibraryThing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this novel in verse, Luna McKenna is struggling with issues many eleven years old face. Her best friend Maggie isn't able to spend as much time with her because her parents are divorcing. While father who works in a science museum and her mother who is a florist are supportive and have fun things like Taco Tuesday nights, her older brother Leo is in high school and often doesn't spend time at home. Luna would like to be an astronaut and is applying to a space camp, and hopes that her project for Mr. Griffin will help with that, but when he has to be out and there is a substitute, Ms. Manitowabi, she worries that it will affect her application. She wants her science class to be about science, not art, but when Ms. Manitowabi, who is Ojibwe, tells the class about Indigenous Sky Stories, Luna is enthralled. She asks her father why she never knew about these. She ends up enjoying her time in class, and things work out, although there are many changes in Luna's life.

This is one of the few novels in verse I've seen that employed concrete poetry. It's a quiet story that might interest readers who enjoyed books with characters who are very interested in space.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this story.

Luna is an 11-year-old space-obsessed girl who lives in Ottawa with an older brother, a flower-loving, poet mother, and a science-loving, wheelchair-using dad.

I really related to Luna's anxiety surrounding change, and there are a lot of changes in the month or two this story covers: changes at school, at home, and with her best friend. Luna tries to calm herself down and remind herself that she is eleven now. But she also really wants the space unit at school to not be taught by a substitute (who wants to add ART to science?!) and she really wants to not like Astrid's poem because Astrid is spending too much time with Luna's best friend. (But actually Astrid's poem is the best one...) The emotional reaction, the frustration, eventually tempered by time and reason is spot on for me.

I really enjoyed how passionate Luna is once she learns about the Sky Stories from her substitute teacher who is Ojibwe. She can't believe she almost went her "whole life" without knowing about them! (And only being familiar with the Greek system of constellations.) Once she knows about the Sky Stories, she believes everyone on the whole PLANET should know them.

[Lindsey Eick · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, when I heard that this novel was in verse, I knew that I would want to pick it up and read it. Then, when I read that it was about a space-obsessed girl that dreams of becoming an astronaut, then I knew I definitely needed to read it, so I could then share it with my son to read. He loves science and space so much!!

This book definitely did not disappoint me. I loved that the main character, Luna, faced many challenges in this book, after having to endure a substitute teacher for a science unit that she had been waiting years, yes years, to be able to participate. Not only that, she has to face changes with her best friend and family. These changes allow her to have some necessary growing pangs that lead her to further self-discovery, new friendships, and merging her interest in space with art.

Thanks to @TundraBooks and @PenguinRandomCA for this wonderful and enlightening middle-grade novel!! I cannot wait to share it with others, especially my son!!

#ReadTundra

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.

I happened across Danielle Daniel a couple years ago when I read her Daughters of the Deer, and when I saw this space-themed middle grade in verse from her I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Reading Reasons to Look at the Night Sky gave me so many feelings, and I love how it shows that colonization took a lot, but what remains should be celebrated. I also really liked how Luna got so excited at the Sky Stories that she wanted to make them as accessible as possible. This also has a lot of growth as Luna is dealing with changes in her friendship, her parents’ schedules, and her teacher being out so she has to adapt to a substitute teacher’s way of doing things. This was super delightful and filled my heart with so much warmth.

[Mr. Lowton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

2024 middle grade novel-in-verse. Métis-Canadian author.

Middle grade student Luna loves Science, and wants to grow up to be an astronaut. Luna is experiencing many changes in her home and in her friendship with her best friend Maggie, none of which she's too happy about. Worst of all, her beloved teacher Mr. Griffin has gone on a leave to tend to his sick mother, and has left a substitute teacher (Ms. Manitowabi) in his place. Ms Manitowabi insists on the connection between art and science, teaches the students about Indigenous star maps and Sky Stories, and makes Luna work with a boy instead of her best friend. Luna is resistant to all of these changes.

I liked the story. The changes experienced by Luna, and her resistance to change, were definitely realistic and plausible. I thought that the eventual turnaround for Luna came about very quickly and conveniently, and I wish those had been flushed out a bit more. But, all in all, it was a nice story that I enjoyed reading.

Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a free e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori Emilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

High points for this excellent novel-in-verse geared towards middle graders. Luna is a space-obsessed 11-year old facing many typical challenges at school and at home. Friends, school, family - it’s all changing and she doesn’t like it. The new substitute teacher at school infuses art with science, and includes Indigenous sky stories in their space unit. Luna can’t imagine how these two subjects can mesh.

I love the teaching opportunities that this novel inspires, and I’m quite sure students would enjoy it too. Highly recommended for MG book clubs, teacher read aloud, or independent reading. Well done! Thanks to Danielle Daniel, NetGalley and Tundra Books/Penguin Random House for this advance copy.

[Christiana Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

11-year-old Luna has always loved space. She's been looking forward to the space project in school ever since finding out about the project, so when the teacher for her science class unexpectedly is replaced by a longterm substitute, disrupting Luna's NASA space camp launch plans she's thrown for a loop. Add in her brother's first girlfriend, her best friend making new friends and dealing with her parents seperation, and Luna feels afloat in a void she never expected to face. But soon she's moving into new spaces, discovering parts of the story of the skies she never knew existed. What a beautiful verse novel full of hope and connection for kids.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is a novel in verse for middle grade readers that blends science through the fictional story. 11 year old Luna is passionate about space and nothing in her life changing, even though change is inevitable.

As often with novels in verse, my concern is that Reasons to Look at the Night Sky appeals more to adults than the young readers that are supposed to be the target audience.

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is a 2026 MYRCA Sundogs nominee.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about finding your way when things around you are changing.
Luna is excited about her science project, but then a substitute teacher wants them to merge science and art and she isn't so sure.
At the same time things with her best friend are changing and her family is having some issues.
As she makes new friends and learns how science and art can converge she learns more about herself and how change can lead to good things.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Tundra Books and Libro FM for the ALC of Reasons to Look at the Night Sky! All opinions in this review are my own.

This middle grade novel in verse is fantastic! I love not only the story of Luna's obsession with space but also learning to deal with decisions that other people make. The narrator on the audiobook does an excellent job of conveying the characters' emotions throughout the story as they deal with some difficult topics. Overall, I highly recommend this one!

[Holly Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5*
The cover of this book is gorgeous! I listened on audio, but I have already purchased a copy for the school library where I work. This book is perfect for young middle graders. Luna loves outer space and hates change. When her teacher goes on leave unexpectedly and her best friend's family is going through a divorce, Luna tries to go with the flow as things in her world are shifting. This story in verse is cute and funny, I chuckled several times while listening. There is an abundance of beautiful metaphors about space plus representation galore! There are some lovely life lessons including how there is always more to learn at any age.

[Em Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, sweetly sincere, and bursting with a whole galaxy's worth of heart. REASONS TO LOOK AT THE NIGHT SKY is an accessible & fast-paced exploration of how science and art might be closer than we first think, set against themes of growing up, tough change, and finding joy in new experiences.

(Also—always SO fun to see more Canadian middle grade!)

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book of poetry. It's incredibly insightful. The poems are easy to follow but are such a cool mix of free verse and form (mostly haikus) poetry. The story line is beautiful. I loved the intersectionality that is brought in without feeling overbearing. Highly recommend this book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great middle grade novel

This is a great middle grade novel that helps readers come to grasp empathy with both hands. It is a story about change and friendship and is very well told.

[Isabella Pungitore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great but didnt really like it at the start, But just kept reading then started LOVING it so much. It was written in verse so finished pretty quickly.I love all the feelings in this book and how her best friend (Maggie) is not hanging out but then become best friends again.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novel-in-verse in which Luna, even though she is obsessed with space and trying to get into a NASA summer camp, seems to have to learn to accept and adapt to her changing life situations. Something that we all may struggle with a bit.

[Brian Trenchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it with my grade 5/6 Science class and really enjoyed it. I love how it was written with all the text function. The main character was an excellent character to share with a middle years class. I hope it wins the MYRCA award.

[Reb Sibley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to my teen boy for bedtime- YES HE STILL WANTS ME TO READ TO HIM! <3

I enjoyed it and would find myself reading long after he started snoring.

Great representation for wheelchair users.

Amazing multiculturalism and keeping an open mind!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this NIV. Luna wants to be an astronaut but when her teacher is replaced with a substitute so many changes happen.#friendship

[Melissa Wildt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Suezette Given · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dips a toe into a variety of issues: friendship, cultural knowledge, learning, family dynamics