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The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli
Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” —Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York’s Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents’ restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang’An and financial crisis threatens Luli’s family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world—and into danger-filled adventure—to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser’s epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” —James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” —Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits
In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.
In New York’s Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents’ restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.
Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang’An and financial crisis threatens Luli’s family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world—and into danger-filled adventure—to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser’s epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.
“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” —James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
Audible Audio
First published September 16, 2025
134 people are currently reading
5153 people want to read
About the author
Karina Yan Glaser
29 books1,136 followersOriginally from California, Karina came to New York City for college and has stuck around for nearly twenty years. She has had a varied career teaching and implementing literacy programs in family homeless shelters and recruiting healthcare professionals to volunteer in under resourced areas around the world. Now as a mother, one of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can’t go anywhere without a book. She lives in Harlem with her husband, two daughters, dog, cat, and house rabbit.
Karina is a contributing editor at Book Riot where she writes about children's books and her life as a reader.
Karina is a contributing editor at Book Riot where she writes about children's books and her life as a reader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
March 6, 2026
If you have interest in any one of the following: the cover, the title, or the blurb....go for it! . This delivers on all levels. It's for food lovers, animal lovers, and historical fiction lovers; so yeah, it's for those cool cats 🐱. If this doesn't make you crave steamed buns, then maybe you just don't like food that much. 🥟 😆
Gloriously written, this felt like going to the park on a perfect day. No need for a jacket, and no fear of getting sunburnt, just one of those magical days. Then suddenly at the park, your favorite food truck pulls up. Now, you can enjoy your park stroll without having to go hungry 😋.
The story follows parallel histories between NYC 1930s, a city that no longer had a place for dreamers,and Ancient China 790s during the Tang dynasty's Golden Age of Art. The author brilliantly weaves Ancient Chinese legends and fables into the story. There a lot of lovely details that parallel life for Han Yu in the Tang dynasty and Luli in present day. Both Han Yu and Luli are on a journey to help family. They meet friends and animal helpers along the way. The friendships feel very real, as if they are blooming right there on the page.
♥️“I meant to tell you how happy I’ve been on this journey with you. It is opening up a new part of me, something that is content and vibrant and proud.”
♥️"..there are many people who would do anything to save the people they loved most in the world."
The parallel stories work excellently and build gradually and gently. Han Yu's search for the Seven Star Grasses, and Luli's discovery of the secrets found on silk were divinely interwoven. While Han Yu and Du Fu are meeting monks in the mountain caves on the Silk Road, Luli is uncovering the meaning behind the poetry inscribed on the silk. Both families struggle and experience painful loss. Yan Glaser has a wonderful way of exploring these themes for middle grade readers while providing nourishment for readers across all ages.
"Those words existed in the world now. The words had power."
"Your writing looks like a picture. You are a poet and an artist."
lush, intentional parallel details across timelines
🪷Twin Buddha Statues - Twin Lion Statues
🐫Pet dog and camels
🐦⬛Magpies and other birds
🐢Tortoise
🐆animal representation in general
😻"This journey has given me endless inspiration."
Gloriously written, this felt like going to the park on a perfect day. No need for a jacket, and no fear of getting sunburnt, just one of those magical days. Then suddenly at the park, your favorite food truck pulls up. Now, you can enjoy your park stroll without having to go hungry 😋.
The story follows parallel histories between NYC 1930s, a city that no longer had a place for dreamers,and Ancient China 790s during the Tang dynasty's Golden Age of Art. The author brilliantly weaves Ancient Chinese legends and fables into the story. There a lot of lovely details that parallel life for Han Yu in the Tang dynasty and Luli in present day. Both Han Yu and Luli are on a journey to help family. They meet friends and animal helpers along the way. The friendships feel very real, as if they are blooming right there on the page.
♥️“I meant to tell you how happy I’ve been on this journey with you. It is opening up a new part of me, something that is content and vibrant and proud.”
♥️"..there are many people who would do anything to save the people they loved most in the world."
The parallel stories work excellently and build gradually and gently. Han Yu's search for the Seven Star Grasses, and Luli's discovery of the secrets found on silk were divinely interwoven. While Han Yu and Du Fu are meeting monks in the mountain caves on the Silk Road, Luli is uncovering the meaning behind the poetry inscribed on the silk. Both families struggle and experience painful loss. Yan Glaser has a wonderful way of exploring these themes for middle grade readers while providing nourishment for readers across all ages.
"Those words existed in the world now. The words had power."
"Your writing looks like a picture. You are a poet and an artist."
lush, intentional parallel details across timelines
🪷Twin Buddha Statues - Twin Lion Statues
🐫Pet dog and camels
🐦⬛Magpies and other birds
🐢Tortoise
🐆animal representation in general
😻"This journey has given me endless inspiration."
Read
November 19, 2025This is one of Book Riot’s Best Books of 2025:
This gorgeous, expansive middle grade historical fiction delves into Chinese history through two alternating timelines. As Han Yu traverses ancient China with a poet to sell goods for his ill family, Luli launches a museum to aid her family during the Great Depression in Chinatown, New York City. These two tweens use courage and creativity to support their families, their two storylines becoming increasingly interconnected as the novel progresses. It’s an action-packed and heartwarming read, steeped in richly imagined worlds that are as well-researched as they are fascinating.
- Margaret Kingsbury
This gorgeous, expansive middle grade historical fiction delves into Chinese history through two alternating timelines. As Han Yu traverses ancient China with a poet to sell goods for his ill family, Luli launches a museum to aid her family during the Great Depression in Chinatown, New York City. These two tweens use courage and creativity to support their families, their two storylines becoming increasingly interconnected as the novel progresses. It’s an action-packed and heartwarming read, steeped in richly imagined worlds that are as well-researched as they are fascinating.
- Margaret Kingsbury
July 10, 2025
Reading this book is like entering your favorite restaurant on a cold winter night. It follows the parallel journeys of two kids across different centuries determined to save their families. It’s lovely and whimsical, and reminds us of the magic that can only be found in childhood
October 11, 2025
A lot to love and appreciate about this book! Two storylines from different times and places, China in the 700s and New York in 1931, come together at the end, connecting the characters. Both time periods are rich with historical detail—I wish the author’s note had been an introduction, and I think I would have paid even closer attention to the poetry, art, and places mentioned.
The themes include family love and duty, loyalty to friends, respect and value of culture (including food!), connection to history.
The two main characters are just nice kids trying to help their families through tough times and figure out who they are. But somehow, even at the end, they still felt a little distant to me. While I wanted to see things work out for them, I just didn’t feel strongly invested. For how carefully constructed the two storylines are, I would have expected to feel more emotional attachment to the main characters. Maybe I would have felt differently reading this aloud to my kids, rather than as an audiobook for myself.
This is long though. I think parts could have been consolidated, but it might have lost its epic feel. I don’t think this will appeal to reluctant readers, or readers accustomed to a fast paced plot. This would be an excellent family read aloud though and offers many opportunities to learn about history and culture.
The themes include family love and duty, loyalty to friends, respect and value of culture (including food!), connection to history.
The two main characters are just nice kids trying to help their families through tough times and figure out who they are. But somehow, even at the end, they still felt a little distant to me. While I wanted to see things work out for them, I just didn’t feel strongly invested. For how carefully constructed the two storylines are, I would have expected to feel more emotional attachment to the main characters. Maybe I would have felt differently reading this aloud to my kids, rather than as an audiobook for myself.
This is long though. I think parts could have been consolidated, but it might have lost its epic feel. I don’t think this will appeal to reluctant readers, or readers accustomed to a fast paced plot. This would be an excellent family read aloud though and offers many opportunities to learn about history and culture.
August 29, 2025
ARC review!
This book is really good!
It’s really surprising, and a little sad. But the ending is definitely worth it!
I’m definitely going to read this again!
This book is really good!
It’s really surprising, and a little sad. But the ending is definitely worth it!
I’m definitely going to read this again!
January 7, 2026
*3.5
Han Yu, the boy born with the protection of a tiger, and the love of the animal kingdom, is having a difficult time finding his place in the ancient Chinese city of Chang’an. His brothers and sister have all been apprenticed out, but Han Yu fails at every occupation he tries. He really wants to make and sell dumplings with his father. When his whole family is taken ill and quarantined, Han Yu sets off on what turns out to be a truly epic adventure.
Luli’s family runs the most revered restaurant in 1930s, New York’s Chinatown. Her parents have worked hard to carve a place for their daughter to inherit, but the Stock Market has crashed and most people don’t have the extra money to spend at restaurants. Luli is determined to help her family keep what they have sacrificed to build, even when it means going against her parent’s wishes for her, and shouldering a fair amount of danger.
Told in alternating timelines Glaser does a good job sinking the reader in two seemingly different worlds. She sprinkles plenty of details to paint the scene. I struggled to stay engaged in the first world-building part of the book.It was laced with a lot of sorrow and trauma, which didn’t draw me back. I’m always aware of these feelings in myself, when I’m reading a book for young readers, as I worry they will be amplified for them. As the book progressed and there were small and large successes along the way I became more engaged. I did appreciate the ending and how the storylines wove together, as we always knew they would. I do think there was quite a bit of dues ex machina at work. While the trauma and danger were plentiful, the solutions often came fast and predictable.
I wouldn’t be sad to see this book get Newbery love, but there there is certainly more distinguished writing in play this year.
52 Book Club26: 1) Set in an ancient civilization
Han Yu, the boy born with the protection of a tiger, and the love of the animal kingdom, is having a difficult time finding his place in the ancient Chinese city of Chang’an. His brothers and sister have all been apprenticed out, but Han Yu fails at every occupation he tries. He really wants to make and sell dumplings with his father. When his whole family is taken ill and quarantined, Han Yu sets off on what turns out to be a truly epic adventure.
Luli’s family runs the most revered restaurant in 1930s, New York’s Chinatown. Her parents have worked hard to carve a place for their daughter to inherit, but the Stock Market has crashed and most people don’t have the extra money to spend at restaurants. Luli is determined to help her family keep what they have sacrificed to build, even when it means going against her parent’s wishes for her, and shouldering a fair amount of danger.
Told in alternating timelines Glaser does a good job sinking the reader in two seemingly different worlds. She sprinkles plenty of details to paint the scene. I struggled to stay engaged in the first world-building part of the book.It was laced with a lot of sorrow and trauma, which didn’t draw me back. I’m always aware of these feelings in myself, when I’m reading a book for young readers, as I worry they will be amplified for them. As the book progressed and there were small and large successes along the way I became more engaged. I did appreciate the ending and how the storylines wove together, as we always knew they would. I do think there was quite a bit of dues ex machina at work. While the trauma and danger were plentiful, the solutions often came fast and predictable.
I wouldn’t be sad to see this book get Newbery love, but there there is certainly more distinguished writing in play this year.
52 Book Club26: 1) Set in an ancient civilization
July 9, 2025
Book Report: The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli
At First Glance: A new release from the beloved author of the Vanderbeeker’s series, Karina Yan Glaser… say no more!
The Jist: Two young people…one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown…on perilous journeys to save their families.
My Thoughts:
“The journey of a thousand li begins with one step.”
Where to begin with this memorable middle grade. A story with friendship at its center… ones we have held and cherished as well as new vulnerable ones that become life long. Han Yu’s and Luli’s stories compliment each other though they are geographically as well as place in time drastically different the same themes of adventure, survival, and culture are mixed and formed like a delicious boa!
Notable:
“…How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Write poems that make me hold my breath until the very end.”
My question for Karina: If Han Yu and Lilu could travel to present day NYC what would be on their itinerary?
Thank you Harper Kids for sharing this beautiful ARC with me.
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
At First Glance: A new release from the beloved author of the Vanderbeeker’s series, Karina Yan Glaser… say no more!
The Jist: Two young people…one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown…on perilous journeys to save their families.
My Thoughts:
“The journey of a thousand li begins with one step.”
Where to begin with this memorable middle grade. A story with friendship at its center… ones we have held and cherished as well as new vulnerable ones that become life long. Han Yu’s and Luli’s stories compliment each other though they are geographically as well as place in time drastically different the same themes of adventure, survival, and culture are mixed and formed like a delicious boa!
Notable:
“…How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Write poems that make me hold my breath until the very end.”
My question for Karina: If Han Yu and Lilu could travel to present day NYC what would be on their itinerary?
Thank you Harper Kids for sharing this beautiful ARC with me.
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
January 20, 2026
This book was so so sad when I heard of Luli's families bussiness crashing down. And when I heard of all of han yu's problems, like the sickness, I nearly cried! I was so glad when Du fu showed up. And the Tiger! that was so creative! If you read this, I assure you that you won't be dissapointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
This book has everything! I loved it! Specifically, it has:
Art
Dumplings
Robbers
An ambiguous tiger
Chang'an, a real city of two million in seventh century China
Metaphysical connections to animals
Ancient trade logistics
Mortgage logistics
A goddess
New boots
A monastery
Pushcarts
New York stuff
Suspense
A wacky cook
Nuns
A visit to the museum
Camel husbandry
Telephones
Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu as a young man
A gift shop
and more!
Such a great book! Thank you, Moon Palace, for facing it out. So glad I bought it. This is the parallel story of two Chinese kids whose lives are intertwined by silk and dumplings, even though one of them lives in seventh century Chang'an, and one of them lives in Depression-era New York. Both kids are struggling financially: Luli's parents are trying to buy the building that they run their restaurant out of, but it's 1934 and no one is going to restaurants anymore. Han Yu's dad used to work the silk routes, but he's settled down to become a steamed bun seller, except no one is buying steamed buns anymore because there's a sickness spreading and no one is going to the market. When Han Yu's family is quarantined at the monastery, Han Yu is given to understand that he should transport a load of goods to the next city down the Silk Route in his father's place. On the first night, his cart breaks, he's menaced by robbers, and he meets a youth who's wandering the countryside for the beauty of his soul. They have eighteen days to get the goods Tianshui, and who knows how long to find a cure for a virulent strain of tuberculosis. Luli just found out that parochial school costs money, and her class is excited for a trip to the museum, and she and Sam are trying to turn the backroom of the gift shop into a museum of Chinese artifacts to bring in customers, but Quong's artifacts are unexpectedly real and valuable. Her journey was more homebound but just as harrowing. She even dropped out of school for a few months to sell dumplings on the street. But the curator at the museum believes her and understands that her class has a taste for Chinese art.
The suspense in this book was profound. The chapters are short, and every cliffhanger in the middle had me trembling for what was coming next. Perfect mash-up of two kids' stories. I loved this one.
Art
Dumplings
Robbers
An ambiguous tiger
Chang'an, a real city of two million in seventh century China
Metaphysical connections to animals
Ancient trade logistics
Mortgage logistics
A goddess
New boots
A monastery
Pushcarts
New York stuff
Suspense
A wacky cook
Nuns
A visit to the museum
Camel husbandry
Telephones
Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu as a young man
A gift shop
and more!
Such a great book! Thank you, Moon Palace, for facing it out. So glad I bought it. This is the parallel story of two Chinese kids whose lives are intertwined by silk and dumplings, even though one of them lives in seventh century Chang'an, and one of them lives in Depression-era New York. Both kids are struggling financially: Luli's parents are trying to buy the building that they run their restaurant out of, but it's 1934 and no one is going to restaurants anymore. Han Yu's dad used to work the silk routes, but he's settled down to become a steamed bun seller, except no one is buying steamed buns anymore because there's a sickness spreading and no one is going to the market. When Han Yu's family is quarantined at the monastery, Han Yu is given to understand that he should transport a load of goods to the next city down the Silk Route in his father's place. On the first night, his cart breaks, he's menaced by robbers, and he meets a youth who's wandering the countryside for the beauty of his soul. They have eighteen days to get the goods Tianshui, and who knows how long to find a cure for a virulent strain of tuberculosis. Luli just found out that parochial school costs money, and her class is excited for a trip to the museum, and she and Sam are trying to turn the backroom of the gift shop into a museum of Chinese artifacts to bring in customers, but Quong's artifacts are unexpectedly real and valuable. Her journey was more homebound but just as harrowing. She even dropped out of school for a few months to sell dumplings on the street. But the curator at the museum believes her and understands that her class has a taste for Chinese art.
The suspense in this book was profound. The chapters are short, and every cliffhanger in the middle had me trembling for what was coming next. Perfect mash-up of two kids' stories. I loved this one.
December 26, 2025
This is one of favorite children's books of 2025 with two persistant and confident protagonists living 1,2oo years a part. Han Yu lives in Chang'An, China in the year 931 during the Tang dynasty, and Luli lives in Chinatown, New York in 1931. What connects them are steamed buns, a bolt of silk, and family troubles. Han Yu family has been quarantined because lung ailment and he must take his father's goods on the Silk Road to sell them. Luli's family is living during the Great Depression and her parents struggle to pay their morgage, so she wants to chip in and help save their restaurant and apartment building. Readers will learn the hazards of traveling and trading on the Silk Road and how familys had to figure out to find work or other ways to earn money to get by in time where people had very little and very few job opportunities. Author notes explain some of the actual history of Tang dynasty and the Silk Road and depression era New York City. Recommended for middle grade readers who like historical fiction.
November 14, 2025
I loved this book SO much! It was so lovely. The writing was beautiful and the storyline itself was fantastic. The themes of bravery, friendship and family were so beautiful, there were times I wanted to cry. Usually, when a story does different timelines, I tend to be invested in one storyline more than the other. But these two were equally engaging.
There are themes of Chinese folklore and superstitions but they are not overt nor are they offensive. There are a couple instances of violence (Luli’s uncle is attacked when his store is burglarized and there are people who do not want Hui to succeed), but it isn’t graphic.
There are themes of Chinese folklore and superstitions but they are not overt nor are they offensive. There are a couple instances of violence (Luli’s uncle is attacked when his store is burglarized and there are people who do not want Hui to succeed), but it isn’t graphic.
October 1, 2025
4.5 stars
This new middle grade release from a favorite author was wonderful! All of the author’s previous books have been contemporary stories but in this book she delved into historical fiction and did an excellent job with the transition. She has a great author’s note at the end to explain a lot of the research and true elements behind the story.
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli is set in both 731 China and 1931 NYC Chinatown and both timelines depicted brave children trying to save their families from difficult situations. The contrast and similarity of the two time periods really captured the universal feelings of kids and the ways all of our stories influence and touch each other. I loved having characters that felt like actual kids and that showed the great capacity they have for making notable differences in their world.
There is fascinating history, adventure, art appreciation, family and friendship dynamics, plenty of heart, and delicious food that definitely left me craving steamed buns! I also loved the maps and the little drawings throughout the story (which I think I heard that the author did herself!) I would highly recommended this book for a wide range of ages!
This new middle grade release from a favorite author was wonderful! All of the author’s previous books have been contemporary stories but in this book she delved into historical fiction and did an excellent job with the transition. She has a great author’s note at the end to explain a lot of the research and true elements behind the story.
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli is set in both 731 China and 1931 NYC Chinatown and both timelines depicted brave children trying to save their families from difficult situations. The contrast and similarity of the two time periods really captured the universal feelings of kids and the ways all of our stories influence and touch each other. I loved having characters that felt like actual kids and that showed the great capacity they have for making notable differences in their world.
There is fascinating history, adventure, art appreciation, family and friendship dynamics, plenty of heart, and delicious food that definitely left me craving steamed buns! I also loved the maps and the little drawings throughout the story (which I think I heard that the author did herself!) I would highly recommended this book for a wide range of ages!
December 30, 2025
One of my favorite books of 2025.
January 7, 2026
I don't usually read fiction but I actually quite enjoyed listening to this.
February 26, 2026
This was a great book! I loved both Han Yu (731 China) & Luli's (1931 Chinatown New York) stories and how they connected.
October 15, 2025
I have a mixed opinion about The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser. The story is actually two stories from two different times and places, one of Han Yu , a young boy who lives in Ancient China, 731, the other of Luli, a young girl who lives in Chinatown, New York City, 1931. The reader begins to see how they are parallel stories and in the end, they come together. Both stories have a lot of historical detail, too. I liked finding out how the stories were connected. But the way the stories alternated, chapter by chapter, became jarring for me - I was just getting involved in one story when it ended. I also did not like the cliff hangers every chapter ended with, it just was too obvious, no subtlety. Maybe that’s why I never completely felt like I knew or was even getting to know Han Yu or Lulu. Just felt like I was being told (not shown) everything. Thinking back on reading this I realize for the first third I was completely engaged, I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I can only give this ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ and only because I appreciate the history and how the storylines come together.
May 9, 2025
STATS
“The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli” by Karina Yan Glaser
Published: 2025
Hardcover: 432 pages
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
Independent Reading Age: 8-12 years
Read Aloud Age: 6-16 years
SYNOPSIS
This book is told in dual timelines, Han Yu is a young boy living during the Tang dynasty of ancient China during the Silk Trade Routes, and Luli is a young girl living in Chinatown, New York City during the Great Depression. In alternating chapters, each told from the point of view of either Luli or Han Yu, you follow them through the adversities of their time: Luli overcoming the hardships of the Great Depression, and Han Yu traveling the Silk Trade Routes as a young boy.
MY THOUGHTS
This book immediately intrigued me. I love the cover, the contrasting color choice and how the images of the two storylines are represented and weaved together. I also really appreciated the author’s note at the beginning of the book. Before the story starts, Karina Yan Glaser shares where her inspiration came from in writing this story. Her love of tea time and dim sum growing up intrigued her to look into the history of dim sum. When she did and learned the roots went back to the Silk Trade Route she immediately saw a story she wanted to share. For me, that author note in the beginning of the book was the promise made to me to keep reading. That promise, that my reading of this book would get rewarded with learning how dim sum started kept me flipping the pages. I have memories of my early dating years with my husband that involved dim sum, so such as promise was dear to my heart. Not all of my questions about the history of dim sum was answered within the pages of this story, but it whetted my appetite to research future on my own.
The story itself is gentle told in short chapters. This is a great book that can reach both a young audience as well as an older audience. The middle grade novels are often advertised for those between the ages of 8-12 years old. But this book makes a good family read aloud because it reaches younger than 8 years old and even older than 12 years old. I appreciated how the dual storylines each had their own plot arch, but still fit together nicely in terms of pacing and content.
For the older audience, they will be more mature and observant and find it interesting to see how the the two dual storylines mirror each other. Its not in a super obvious way. But for the observant reader they can see echos of images of aspect imprinted from Ancient China to Chinatown, New York City. This also would make it a good reread for those who like to discover those things.
At the end of the book the author shares more about the historical aspect of the book, which parts are true and which parts are fiction. As a mom I appreciated this part of the book. I also appreciated the bibliography that was also included for those who might want to do more reading in any specific historical aspect of the story. I would have loved if the bibliography was taken a set further and a specific book recommendation reading list was giving, aimed at the reading level of the audience (ages 8-12) that highlighted each of these aspects: dim sum, silk art, Ancient Chinese poetry.
RECOMMENDATION
Personally, this book would be a great book for a book club spanning a wide age range. It’s hard to find a book that reaches both younger and older audiences. It has many historical elements that is also fun for the teacher or homeschool mom to pull out for specific activities. And as someone living in Asia, it is always a win when an another good book comes out that is set in Asia. Now I want dim sum.
(NOTE: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book. Thank you
“The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli” by Karina Yan Glaser
Published: 2025
Hardcover: 432 pages
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
Independent Reading Age: 8-12 years
Read Aloud Age: 6-16 years
SYNOPSIS
This book is told in dual timelines, Han Yu is a young boy living during the Tang dynasty of ancient China during the Silk Trade Routes, and Luli is a young girl living in Chinatown, New York City during the Great Depression. In alternating chapters, each told from the point of view of either Luli or Han Yu, you follow them through the adversities of their time: Luli overcoming the hardships of the Great Depression, and Han Yu traveling the Silk Trade Routes as a young boy.
MY THOUGHTS
This book immediately intrigued me. I love the cover, the contrasting color choice and how the images of the two storylines are represented and weaved together. I also really appreciated the author’s note at the beginning of the book. Before the story starts, Karina Yan Glaser shares where her inspiration came from in writing this story. Her love of tea time and dim sum growing up intrigued her to look into the history of dim sum. When she did and learned the roots went back to the Silk Trade Route she immediately saw a story she wanted to share. For me, that author note in the beginning of the book was the promise made to me to keep reading. That promise, that my reading of this book would get rewarded with learning how dim sum started kept me flipping the pages. I have memories of my early dating years with my husband that involved dim sum, so such as promise was dear to my heart. Not all of my questions about the history of dim sum was answered within the pages of this story, but it whetted my appetite to research future on my own.
The story itself is gentle told in short chapters. This is a great book that can reach both a young audience as well as an older audience. The middle grade novels are often advertised for those between the ages of 8-12 years old. But this book makes a good family read aloud because it reaches younger than 8 years old and even older than 12 years old. I appreciated how the dual storylines each had their own plot arch, but still fit together nicely in terms of pacing and content.
For the older audience, they will be more mature and observant and find it interesting to see how the the two dual storylines mirror each other. Its not in a super obvious way. But for the observant reader they can see echos of images of aspect imprinted from Ancient China to Chinatown, New York City. This also would make it a good reread for those who like to discover those things.
At the end of the book the author shares more about the historical aspect of the book, which parts are true and which parts are fiction. As a mom I appreciated this part of the book. I also appreciated the bibliography that was also included for those who might want to do more reading in any specific historical aspect of the story. I would have loved if the bibliography was taken a set further and a specific book recommendation reading list was giving, aimed at the reading level of the audience (ages 8-12) that highlighted each of these aspects: dim sum, silk art, Ancient Chinese poetry.
RECOMMENDATION
Personally, this book would be a great book for a book club spanning a wide age range. It’s hard to find a book that reaches both younger and older audiences. It has many historical elements that is also fun for the teacher or homeschool mom to pull out for specific activities. And as someone living in Asia, it is always a win when an another good book comes out that is set in Asia. Now I want dim sum.
(NOTE: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book. Thank you
February 24, 2026
4.5 rounded up to 5
I really enjoyed Karina Yan Glaser’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘯 𝘠𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘶𝘭𝘪. It was a Newbery Honor book and a great story that moved right along, kept me very engaged, and despite its length, felt accessible. I liked learning about the cultural history of China in the year 731 and Chinatown’s history in NYC in 1931. It felt well-researched and accurate, and I was happy to see Yan Glaser’s bibliography at the end of the book. Han Yu’s adventure made me nervous for him and his animal friends, but he also made me feel calm. Luli’s “family” reminded me that family can include people that aren’t blood-related. I loved the (mostly) kind people and strong friendships in the book, and I appreciated Luli’s strong personality. Food plays an important (and cozy!) part in the story.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘯 𝘠𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘶𝘭𝘪 tells the story of two kids in two different time periods. Han Yu, a kind animal whisperer, lives in China in the year 731 and helps his family when they become sick. Luli lives in NYC’s Chinatown in 1931 and goes out of her comfort zone to help her family make ends meet as their dim sum restaurant loses customers. Their stories have differences, similarities, and converge.
No one will be disappointed if they read this book.
I really enjoyed Karina Yan Glaser’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘯 𝘠𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘶𝘭𝘪. It was a Newbery Honor book and a great story that moved right along, kept me very engaged, and despite its length, felt accessible. I liked learning about the cultural history of China in the year 731 and Chinatown’s history in NYC in 1931. It felt well-researched and accurate, and I was happy to see Yan Glaser’s bibliography at the end of the book. Han Yu’s adventure made me nervous for him and his animal friends, but he also made me feel calm. Luli’s “family” reminded me that family can include people that aren’t blood-related. I loved the (mostly) kind people and strong friendships in the book, and I appreciated Luli’s strong personality. Food plays an important (and cozy!) part in the story.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘯 𝘠𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘶𝘭𝘪 tells the story of two kids in two different time periods. Han Yu, a kind animal whisperer, lives in China in the year 731 and helps his family when they become sick. Luli lives in NYC’s Chinatown in 1931 and goes out of her comfort zone to help her family make ends meet as their dim sum restaurant loses customers. Their stories have differences, similarities, and converge.
No one will be disappointed if they read this book.
January 17, 2026
What an enchanting historical tale. Told in two timelines and on two continents, the author weaves a tale about a young Chinese boy Han Yu who goes on a dangerous trek to save his family and a young Chinese American girl Luli trying to help her family save their home and business in the Great Depression. With an expanse of 12 centuries from 731 to 1932, Han Yu and Luli are connected by a piece of silk that features a poem by Du Fu (a real Chinese poet) and steamed buns. By the end, I was really craving dim sum. You will be too, if you dare to go on the Silk Route with Han Yu and to live and work with Luli at 59 Mott Street (a real address in NYC).
July 4, 2025
Karina Yan Glaser brings her trademark style of likable and relatable kids who persevere and are resilient, as they try and save their families. Han Yu and Luli are two kids, one from Tang dynasty in China and the other in 1930s, NYC, yet share a mysterious link. Both have to leave their homes and journey into a bigger world to help their families. This is engaging and exciting and will soon be a classic.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
January 20, 2026
I liked this peek at an ancient world juxtaposed with a more modern world., and the familial connection between the two time periods. It had a mythical quality to it. I was a bit more interested in Han Yu's story arc, as I have long been interested in the Silk Road, but both were good. The illustrations worked well and added a touch of sweetness, and the chapters were short, so it would be a good read-aloud. The story felt a bit slow at first, and had predictable outcomes, but was unique enough to be worth some Newbery attention.
52 Book Challenge 2026 Prompt #1: Set in an ancient civilization
52 Book Challenge 2026 Prompt #1: Set in an ancient civilization
January 18, 2026
3.5 stars
The dual timeline tells different aspects of Chinese history. I loved the way Glaser weaved the stories together. I appreciated how Luli learns how to both support her family and contribute to the community. Themes of the importance of family & helping others are important to the story which I really liked. I had a harder time with the Han Yu timeline and was often bored while reading that. Overall-I liked the end much better than the beginning and enjoyed it overall.
The dual timeline tells different aspects of Chinese history. I loved the way Glaser weaved the stories together. I appreciated how Luli learns how to both support her family and contribute to the community. Themes of the importance of family & helping others are important to the story which I really liked. I had a harder time with the Han Yu timeline and was often bored while reading that. Overall-I liked the end much better than the beginning and enjoyed it overall.
January 27, 2026
The way Glaser weaves together two stories in different timelines is excellent. The alternating storylines that often end on mini cliffhangers keep the reader invested in each story. Luli’s story was my favorite, but they were both impactful.
This quote nicely represents the themes: “When I helped you, I felt joy. And one day, maybe I will need someone to save me, and the person helping me will feel joy. Is that not the most beautiful cycle?” (305)
This quote nicely represents the themes: “When I helped you, I felt joy. And one day, maybe I will need someone to save me, and the person helping me will feel joy. Is that not the most beautiful cycle?” (305)
October 21, 2025
A beautiful weaving together of two seemingly unrelated, yet both compelling, stories of Chinese history--one, an ancient journey along the Chinese Silk Roads Trading Route, and the other, about all of the people who live in the building that houses the Silk Roads Gift Shop and Museum, and the Jade Palace Restaurant in New York City's struggling 1930s Chinatown. And, the Metropolitan Museum of Art plays a role! Could it get any better? I just love historical fiction.
December 11, 2025
This is a very special book! My family and I really enjoyed this one and look forward to re-reading it. It has touched our hearts and minds and it's one we'll certainly remember!
February 13, 2026
Immersive historical fiction with a touch of magic for middle readers from the author of the beloved Vanderbeeker series!
February 16, 2026
The first 200 pages of the book are 4.5 stars, and the last 150 pages are 6 stars 👏🏻
Very happy for Han Yu and for Luli.
Very happy for Han Yu and for Luli.
November 5, 2025
Amazing dual POV and dual timelines story. I learned so much about the Silk Road because I kept looking up stuff after reading parts of the story.
November 25, 2025
Luli lives in New York city’s Chinatown in 1931 as her family struggles with the Great Depression. Han Yu is from the 8th century and when his family is quarantined from a plague in the city he sets off to support his family financially and look for a cure. His experiences are more auspicious and tied with folk lore. A silk cloth ties the stories together as both learn about loyalty and family responsibilities.
March 1, 2026
Reading all the Newbery-awarded books from 2026. Really found myself enjoying this duo-storyline book featuring ancient China and 1930’s Chinatown in New York. I was really rooting for both Han Yu and Lula! This was a Newbery Honor Book.
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