The Moon Without Stars

by Chanel Miller

What's the deal with middle school, anyway? Award-winning author and artist Chanel Miller explores the glorious mess that is middle school—and the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering.

At the end of sixth grade, Luna knows who she a small, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off, somehow Luna is swept up into the popular group and learns just how much of herself she's going to have to compromise to stay there. Will she give up her writing? Her best friend? What about her own beliefs about who she is and what she stands for?

In a contemporary novel that feels like today’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Newbery Honor winner and bestselling author Chanel Miller explores what it means to lose and then find yourself again in the middle of middle school.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Mental Health, Childrens, School, Realistic Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 13, 2026

About the author

Chanel Miller is a writer and artist. Her memoir, Know My Name, was a New York Times bestseller, a New York Times Book Review Notable Book, and a winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Ridenhour Book Prize, and the California Book Award. It was also a best book of the year in Time, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, NPR, and People, among others. She was named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and a Time Next 100 honoree, and was a Glamour Woman of the Year honoree under her pseudonym Emily Doe.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[emma]

i will read everything chanel miller writes, including middle grade

(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)

[Book Riot Community]

Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:

After adoring Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, talk of another middle grade novel by Miller had me on the edge of my blue sofa. But with a comp like Judy Blume’s iconic Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (a comfort book of mine), I cozied up with this moving story featuring 12-year-old Luna the day it arrived. When classmates begin confiding in the seventh grader, she and her best friend, Scott, create zines to uplift them. Delving into attentiveness, insecurities, friendship, and growing up, this—with its Mean Girls vibes—made me laugh, and I marked up so many passages and hearted so many sentences that my copy resembles a bathroom stall wall. —Connie Pan

[Marisa Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult I found this book extremely readable and entertaining. I'm very happy to NOT be 13. This is supposed to be for ages 10 and up but Idk about that.

[Ivy Kaprow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chanel Miller has really tapped into the mind of a middle schooler in her soon to be published book, The Moon Without Stars. This book is filled with the typical social hierarchy of middle school and through Luna she has captured all of the awkwardness, anxieties, and apprehensiveness of seventh grade.
I love how this delves into the mind of a 7th grade girl exposing all of the secrets and shame most preteen girls are too embarrassed to talk about.
While this is YA I think it’s an important read for parents of middle schoolers as well. Ms. Miller has so beautifully captured middle school and reading this will help parents remember what it was like and give a better understanding to what their children are dealing with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an advanced copy of this. The Moon Without Stars hits the shelves on January 13.
Some favorite quotes:
“You are fierce. You are the one to be feared. Don’t let small minds define you.”
“Being self conscious took up so much of my brain space. And as soon as I accepted it, it freed up all this room to think about other things.”
“All adults had forgotten what it was like to be in the seventh grade.”
“When adults wanted to avoid reality, they drowned themselves in work, booked a trip to Aruba, or joined a new Zumba class. Not us at thirteen. To be a seventh grader was to be stuck inside your circumstances…”
“You were sent to school relentlessly, nonnegotiably, even if it meant getting eaten alive.”

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Report: The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller

Middle school is a lot…awkward…emotional…hilarious and weirdly transformative and Chanel Miller captures every bit of that glorious chaos in this heartfelt middle grade novel💫

We follow Luna…a quiet…observant seventh grader who loves writing and making zines with her best friend Scott. But when one of their zines suddenly blows up…Luna is pulled into the orbit of the popular crowd… and soon finds herself facing impossible choices. Can she keep her creativity? Her best friend? Her sense of who she really is? 📝✨

I adored Chanel’s kids’ debut Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All…so I was so excited to see her step into middle grade and she absolutely delivered. I saw someone call this “today’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and honestly? I can confidently say YES 🙌

Even though it’s been a long time since I walked the halls of middle school…this book transported me right back. Luna’s inner monologue was constant…chaotic and painfully accurate. I giggled…I cringed and I felt deeply😂😬💛
This is one of those stories where young readers will feel seen and adults will feel remembered. A relatable and heartfelt look at growing up and finding yourself🌙⭐️

Thank you Philomel Books and PRH Audio for the copy.

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Lauren | Wordsbetweenlines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chanel Miller is proving she can write it all. I’ve read all 3 of her books and recommend them all for different reasons.

Luna is in the awkward phase of being 13, and for many series of events is trying to figure out where she fits in. This perfectly encompasses the social hierarchy, friendships and struggles of being an early teenager. Middle school is brutal and this is a beautiful exploration of it.

Pub date: Jan 13

Thank you penguinteenca for the highly anticipated arc 🤍🤍

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna is a writer. Her idea of a good lunch break is hanging out with Scott while he draws, and she writes, and sure, she isn’t a popular girl, but it is fine.
Then she receives a whole bunch of books that a classmate owned, who died. And she thinks that she should spread the love, so starts recommending books to people. And then, with Scott’s help, starts making zines, when she can’t find a book that would be perfect for everyone.
And this draws the attention of the popular girls, who want to remake her. Show her how to be a real girl. This is when we get into a combination of “Mean Girls” and “Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret.” And, like all middle school books, this is about friendship, and what happens when she thinks she has to change herself to fit in with the popular girls, and no longer see Scott.
This is one of those books that draws you in, and makes you stay up until 2am to finish reading to see what will happen, as you try to read through tears that are streaming through your eyes. I swear, this book will both charm you, with some of the descriptions, and then take out your heart and stomp on it. I love everyone, and this so reminds me of what I went through, never quite fitting in, and wondering where the manual that everyone else was reading to make school and life work for them.


Highly recommended. This gets all the stars from me.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be out on the 13th of January 2026.

[Jessica Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like I was in middle school again.

[Mo Holub · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bizarre mash up of "Mean Girls" with "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" written for the modern pre-teen, Miller's latest is a wild ride filled with drama, heartbreak, growth, and so much second-hand embarrassment it isn't even funny. Luna's love of writing and language makes her a very fun voice, especially as she learns the power of words to hurt as much as to heal.

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore Chanel Miller, but this wasn’t the slam dunk I thought it would be. It was didactic and overexplain-y in places, and it ended too fast. I guess it covered a school year, but the pacing was jolt-y and the seasons weren’t inhabited enough for me to know.
But the mean girl/weird girl rep was pretty realistic, and the details that didn’t feel forced were often darling.
Can’t wait to see what she does next!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After adoring Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, talk of another middle grade novel by Miller had me on the edge of my blue sofa. But with a comp like Judy Blume’s iconic Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (a comfort book of mine), I cozied up with this moving story featuring 12-year-old Luna the day it arrived. When classmates begin confiding in the seventh grader, she and her best friend, Scott, create zines to uplift them. Delving into attentiveness, insecurities, friendship, and growing up, this—with its Mean Girls vibes—made me laugh, and I marked up so many passages and hearted so many sentences that my copy resembles a bathroom stall wall.

from "The Most Anticipated Books of 2026" via BOOK RIOT: https://bookriot.com/most-anticipated...

[Prof. Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Glorious, Messy Look at the Middle School Coming of Age

"The Moon Without Stars" by Chanel Miller is a beautiful, painfully relatable coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the glorious mess of middle school. Miller takes us right into the heart of Luna's experience, exploring the turbulent, transformative years when every tiny social interaction feels like a matter of life and death.

This book is incredibly honest in its exploration of identity—how it's formed, lost, and rediscovered. Luna's journey tackles so many essential, complex topics: the constant, agonizing struggles with self-image; the sometimes-awkward, sometimes-empowering process of growth and evolving; the confusing flutter of crushes; the bewildering reality of body changes; and the inevitable, painful shifts in changing friendships. Miller does an exceptional job showing how circumstance can change everything, forcing Luna to question her core beliefs about herself and her world.

Chanel Miller’s writing is a standout here. She manages to express the complicated internal landscape of a pre-teen/teenager with impressive authenticity, making it clear just how overwhelmingly complicated life can be at that age. In many places, the book reads like a diary entry, which is its greatest strength. This intimate, unvarnished style creates a safe, comfortable space for the reader to confront their own past or current issues with self-worth, belonging, or changing friendships. It’s deeply resonant and makes Luna’s struggles feel universal.

Overall, the book was entertaining and informative, a contemporary echo of classics like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. The emotional arc is satisfying and the themes are powerful. My only minor critique is that I wish there was more to the ending—it felt a little abrupt, and I would have loved a deeper dive into the immediate aftermath of Luna's final choices.

Despite that small desire for a more lingering conclusion, this is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to anyone—teens looking for solidarity, or adults wanting a compassionate glimpse back at the intense vulnerability of middle school.

[Lili Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheers to starting the year off right with an amazing book!

I luckily got to meet Chanel Miller in person a few months back in LA, and she was so sweet! She mentioned her upcoming book and I absolutely loved it (shoutout to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review).

Oh, the middle school years…and the “fix-its” portion definitely brought back horrid memories. I will share that in middle school, there was a new girl who showed up, who decided we should all circle around in the girls bathroom and take turns saying what was wrong, or a “fix-it” for each girl until she cried. Of course, she did not have any “fix-its” herself…I can only imagine how much worse things are with social media, etc. How can we teach kids to build their self-worth?! I loved Luna’s book idea, as well as her art teacher, Mrs. Kokogray!

Notable lines:


“He explained that when pine tree bark is wounded, the tree secretes sticky golden resin to heal itself. ‘It’s nice how it holds the answer to its injury; it knows how to make itself better,’ he said.”

“If I had to answer honestly I’d say, first of all, a school day is composed of six hours, which means six subjects, and each class guarantees a different mood, each mood determined by your teacher and whoever you’re seated next to.”

“He had forgotten, all adults had forgotten, what it was like to be in the seventh grade. How if your reputation soured, you had nowhere to go. When adults wanted to avoid reality, they drowned themselves in work, booked a trip to Aruba, or joined a new Zumba class. They reinvented themselves, sometimes they fled entirely. Not us, not at thirteen. To be a seventh grader was to be stuck inside your circumstances from day one, told to sit in seats the teacher assigned, learning topics picked out for you, with the same cast of people every day . . . ” (all true points us adults/parents should remember…).

“We all do things we’re not proud of. We hurt people we love, even if we don’t mean to. We learn, then we change, that’s the most we can ask for.”

[Mauli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley.

This book is what I would call "Mean Girls meets Middle School," where puberty and personality changes lead people to make decision that don't align with who they thought they would be. The story touches on serious topics of grief, hormonal changes & development (conversations primarily of female puberty), mental health (depression, anxiety, grief), and how we change & hide our true selves to fit into what other people think we should be so that we can be accepted. The story covers the 7th grade school year, and the main character, Luna, goes through an emotional awakening where she puts her observational and literary skills to use in helping those around her who are quietly suffering with their own issues. She begins by recommending books, creating uplifting & empowering Zines, and, with the help of her best friend Scott, they are quickly seen as the go-to people for feeling better. Things change for Luna, however, when the "it crowd" start inviting her to hang out with them. In true middle school fashion, she finds herself stuck between staying true to who she is and adapting herself to fit in with the popular kids.

So much happens for Luna, and so much growth for the characters align with the experiences and emotional turmoil of middle school, making this story one that is easy to resonate with and understand. Each character has their own struggles and the author does a great job of touching on everything going on without losing track of the main storyline. Luna remains the focus: all of her struggles, her trauma, her development as a human being and as a 13 year old girl, while still using others to express the tumultuous emotions and pressures found in this age group. My only complaint was the ending. I felt like it just stopped, and was kind of disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventh grade is a challenging time for Luna; despite feeling comfortable in her skin in sixth grade, one serendipitous decision becomes the catalyst for important change. Unexpectedly, Luna inherits the beloved books that belonged to a classmate who passed away. Luna uses her love of words and stories to direct her classmates to books that can help ease their worries, soundlessly offering support to those in need. Soon, a class project dovetails with Luna’s strengths and inspires Luna to create zines with her best friend Scott to offer more targeted support to her peers. But when the popular kids begin to notice Luna, she finds herself navigating a complex emotional landscape and is left with the important task of determining who she truly is and who she wants to be. This thoughtful, contemplative middle grade novel is told from Luna's perspective, incorporating lengthy blocks of stream of consciousness-style internal monologue alongside occasional dialogue with the people around her. Brief chapters and sufficient white space make the book visually appealing to middle grade readers, but the primary connection readers will have with this story is with its emotional components. The challenges Luna faces regarding friendship, bullying, and self acceptance are very universal, and readers are likely to find threads of similarity to their own lives within the text. Whether read as a cautionary tale or as a therapeutic guide to righting the reader’s own wrongs, the book is a resonant investigation of life as a young teenager who feels adrift and unsure of her desired life trajectory. Filled with complex vocabulary and heartfelt investigations, this is a richly crafted, contemporary middle grade text that speaks across generations.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

7th grader Luna has a best friend in Scott, but has trouble connecting with her other classmates. After running into the mother of a deceased classmate in the park, she inherits a number of books. Listening to her classmates, she starts to "prescribe" books to them, leaving them in the woods near the school. This leads to a number of notes being left describing kids' struggles, and to surprising connections. Luna's mother has bipolar depression, and is either unable to get out of bed, or so absorbed in her artwork that she ignores her daughter. Luna eventually starts to write zines for her classmates.

This reminded me heavily of Thayer's Happy & Sad & Everything True, where the main character dispensed advice through the school's ventilation system. It's compared to Are You There, God, It's Me, Margaret mainly because of the discussion of periods. There aren't many other similarities.

The writing seemed very literary to me, with many odd descriptions and poetic language. This makes sense with Luna's general demeanor, but may not appeal to younger readers. There are some situations that were unusual... a character buries his pet guinea pig on a school sports field, Scott is tricked into sitting in brown paint, and there's a graphic description of comparing it to feces, and the mother of the girl who had died (whose library Luna inherits) is depicted as dealing so poorly with the death of her daughter that she spends her time in the local park with a karaoke machine, wailing. This author also wrote Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, which had a similar philosophical feel to it.

[MaryEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finally read Chanel Miller’s memoir and learned she planned to write children’s books I was eager to see what she did with them. I was excited for the opportunity to read The Moon Without Stars. Let me tell you, she did not disappoint!
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What a wonderful story for middle graders to read! Luna has lived the first twelve years of her life as an introvert with a single friend. One day a whole bunch of books come into her life for reasons you’ll learn in the story. Those books, as you might imagine, end up opening up worlds for her and also incredible opportunities with unique challenges that help Luna grow.
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As part of the story there is a friend who explains about period products in a way that is not embarrassing and would be very helpful to any young girl who does not have a mom in her life to teach her these practical things and to normalize this experience, and also would probably be a good launching point for more discussion. I don’t in any way think this a book just for girls. I think it would benefit boys too.
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There’s also a controlling classmate who has an unnatural influence on all the classmates. Luna has to learn to be her own person. At times this book was hard to read because it brought back so many middle grade feelings. Middle grade is hard. I think middle graders will see their own experience in this book and hopefully learn some lessons from Luna.
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Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC given in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

[Marysue Gulick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Moon Without Stars was about Luna, a 7th Grader. Almost everyone agrees that 7th grade is hard, emotionally, physically, socially, and academically. Luna’s life follows this agreement.
Luna is a seriously nice kid, who has been friends with Scott since they were little. Their friendship is sibling-type, sweet and mutually beneficial. Because of this, I was disappointed when Luna “went to the dark side” with the popular girls, especially the top dog, June, and rejected Scott. This is only because I had impossibly high standards for her. Because I know there’s a strong pull to being on top socially. So it wasn’t out of character for a 7th grader. Of course the friendship went sour as soon as Luna had to tell the truth about something she did that involved June. June’s mother found out and June was reprimanded. June banished Luna from the group but wouldn’t stop there. June made sure Luna was a pariah.
The end redeems Luna though. She found out from another friend (she had apologized to) that Scott had said, “I’m worried about Luna.” And the friend said, “he was just sad, seeing you contort yourself to join June’s crew”. Super writing! I love the idea of “contorting yourself.” Describes trying to fit in to a tee.
This book hits on lots of social issues kids face. Well worth the time to read. Thank you to Penguin/Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars.

[Mandy | bookiesncreme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle school is hard and Miller doesn’t shy away from any of it. Whether readers are about to enter middle school, currently navigating it, or reflecting back on it, The Moon Without Stars fictionalizes a common experience of growing up that many will recognize. This story doesn’t gloss over the uncomfortable parts of growing up or rush toward resolution. Instead, it allows space for awkwardness, shifting friendships, crushes, puberty, and the emotional uncertainty that defines those years. Some of the characters are so incredibly mean (big yikes!!), but that harshness actually feels honest. Middle schoolers really can be like that, and the book doesn’t soften their behavior for comfort’s sake.

Parts of the book are very much rooted in a girl’s lived experience of middle school, including moments that some readers, may not connect with or be interested in. Kids/young adults who are currently navigating those same trenches will appreciate this story and feel validated in their experiences.

By the end, the story offers a meaningful sense of hope, reminding readers that even when middle school feels overwhelming and uncomfortable, it’s something you can move through and grow from.

There may be some pushback on the suggested age range for this book (10 and up), but it is absolutely appropriate. While not every reader will relate to Luna’s experiences in the same way, the book approaches growing up with honesty and care. Shielding young readers from stories like this doesn’t protect them; it denies them language, perspective, and reassurance during a formative time.

An undeniably valuable read that belongs on the shelves and in readers’ hands.

Thank you Libro.fm + the publisher for an ALC.

Audiobook note: it doesn’t take away from nor add to the story, other than maybe emphasize how quirky the MCs inner monologue is.

[Gina Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! As a mom of two daughters, as a teacher and as a reader, I highly recommend! I was able to read a Net Galley copy, and could not put it down. I also immediately ordered a copy so my girls can read it. Part _What You Are Looking for Is in the Library_ and part "Mean Girls" mixed with something altogether fresh and new, it was really well paced, and younger readers will be pulled in to Luna's world. As Luna navigates middle school and life in general, you will laugh with her, cheer for her, cry with her and want to give her a big hug. Miller creates characters with so much depth and relatability. The main character, Luna is original, thoughtful, funny and flawed. The book addresses the external and internal pressures on young people, the thrills and heartaches of growing up, the power in knowing yourself, and issues of identity in so many ways. It also shows the many types of friendships that help us understand who we are and who we aren't. One of my favorite lines from the book is, "The life you make will be part effort, part chance; the combination is what makes it stunning." Chanel Miller has created a stunning combination of heart and art that I hope so many young people have the chance to read.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! One of the most perfect likenesses to being a middle schooler I’ve ever read.

Someone compared it to today’s Are You There God… and yes, but a million times better and more heartfelt!

June gives off strong Regina George vibes and you can’t help but adore Scott.

Luna is the perfect middle school protagonist bc you love her and root for her - she never feels too whiny or self involved. She is one of those characters you can totally relate to, whether you’re in middle school and living this reality now, or way past those days (thankfully) and are transported back to all those feelings of wanting to fit in, to grow up yet hang onto your youthful ways, establishing new friendships without destroying the old…I could go on and on. This book hit on all the insecurities and worries and confusing feelings that go along with being a middle schooler. And it did it with such tenderheartedness and humor! I laughed out loud, cringed, and wept alongside Luna.

The ending was so sweet and perfect.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reader copy.

Luna is twelve years old and has a talent for words and writing. She's also shy and not particularly popular and spends most of her time with her childhood best friend. When Luna starts creating zines for her classmates, her popularity soars, leading to an invitation to join the popular girls.

This invitation comes with serious drawbacks, but it might be too late for Luna to leave the path she's started.

The Moon Without Stars deals with coming of age issues in a blunt and realistic manner, including acne, first periods, bras, changing bodies, bullying, absentee parents, and feeling trapped at school. I'd recommend this book for upper middle grade readers (sixth, seventh, and eighth grade), who are ready to tackle a frank conversation about these matters.

I recommend this book for young readers who enjoy books grounded in reality and school and family drama.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHANEL MILLER IS A NATIONAL TREASURE. Who else can write lines like these?

*I've known him since I had a consciousness, feel neutral toward him like I would toward a penguin.

*I don't believe in ghosts, but I do believe in not being a bumhole.

*But even in you empathize with him, it doesn't mean you have to tolerate the mean stuff he does.

*I didn't know that hairs over my eyeballs were so important, or worthy of murdering somebody over.

*In fact, it seemed flawed that we were supposed to spend our lives loving people who we couldn't hold on to forever.

*I wished she'd quickly sloop out her baby, and come right back.

This random assortment of quotes may not perfectly encapsulate what this book is about, but it's pretty darn close. I absolutely loved this story of the messiness of middle school and friendship and trying to live life not being a bumhole.

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Chanel Miller’s first book, so when I saw this, I requested it immediately. Obviously, I’m not the target audience, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

Beautiful words, as usual. I highlighted sentences after sentences. I am pleasantly surprised by the amount of tough topics discussed in this book. Relatable yet carefully addressed.

Mental health struggles, bi-racial identity, wanting to fit in, first period, bra shopping, the amount of overthinking at that age, friendships, first crashes, pronouns, self-care, unhealthy household, I can go on and on.

I wish I had access to therapy when I was at that age. “What if that’s okay?” when the therapist asks her. I always feel like the world is going to end if I don’t live up to certain expectations. Presently surprised by this middle-grade book!

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group, for the ARC!

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first thought upon finishing this book was, “Sheesh, kids are still mean in middle-school these days!” Those long-ago years back in the 70’s are a period of my life I would not want to repeat, for that very reason.
Luna,the narrator,starts out as a pretty nice kid, but as the school year progresses she is deeply influenced by the seventh-grade “Queen Bee” and her followers, as they relentlessly bully their classmates. This is done in the form of “Fix-It Books”; little journals distributed to individuals deemed less worthy than the popular girls, who write down the flaws they perceive, under the guise of providing help and advice. Very reminiscent to me of the “Slam-Books” that wreaked havoc and hurt feelings among friends in Judy Blume’s “Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great.” (I guess some things have not changed in the five decades since that book was published).
I rated the book two stars because the writing was choppy and made the storyline difficult to follow. Plus, it just wasn’t an enjoyable book to read, for me.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Beth Given · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luna is navigating a lot when she starts middle school: a bipolar mom, the loss of a classmate, crushes. When you add on puberty and popularity, things get really complicated. She and her friend Scott make zines to help her classmates navigate this tricky time, but soon her candid zines get the attention of some mean girls who start making zines to tear people down. Luna finds herself drifting away from Scott -- and from herself.

One of the big messages of this book is that kids (and adults!) shouldn't sacrifice kindness for "authenticity." Being honest does not mean blunting degrading other people. I really liked where this book ended up, but it felt like it took a meandering route to get there, leaving a lot of complicated issues only peripherally mentioned.


Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't fully know how to form my opinion about this book honestly. The storyline is a classic slice of life. It could be a 2000s movie with an indie song playing in the background. I did enjoy the story but overall the book felt like too much.

Obviously a book description can't give everything away but in the case of this book, I could have used some more information. Based on the back cover, this book sounds like it would be more light-hearted than it ended up being. There's a lot of heavy topics that are mentioned and then glossed over. One character has bulimia but it's reduced down to two sentences. A lot of what made me interested in the story isn't even really part of the plot by the end of the book.

Too many ideas and information were crammed into 240 pages.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luna is struggling to fit in. When she finally gets accepted by the popular group, she uses her gift at creating zines in a negative way to hurt others, including her best friend. She ends up getting a taste of her own medicine and realizes the harm she’s done and works to do self-reflection to redeem herself and repair her friendship.

I can see the connection to Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret but also see Mean Girls making an appearance in a way that bothered me. It just seemed to go on. The ending where mom helps her understand about making mistakes and forgiveness helped; I just wished we’d seen Luna gone and make amends with all the students she hurt.

If I could, I’d rate 3.5 stars.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew when I heard Chanel Miller was writing fiction, I had to read it. Going in, I was sure what to expect—I’ve read middle grade fiction but I haven’t really enjoyed it. Overall, the genre lacks details. And this one initially felt that way to me too. Despite being 46, I felt Luna deep in me, looking back on middle school. The Moon Without Stars gives major Mean Girls vibes. I loved Luna then couldn’t stand her, then came back around again. Most of the book felt middle of the road for me but it gained another star for the ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the eARC to review.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some language in here that had me questioning the 10+ age rating. This book took me back to being a middle schooler and remembering the challenges of trying to find yourself. Reading it as a mom made me want to hug my middle school aged children and all other middle schoolers out there.

"We all do things we're not proud of. We hurt people we love, even if we don't mean to. We learn, then we change, that's the most we can ask for. But none of us will succeed in navigating through life perfectly. And what if that's okay?"

The ending wrapped up perfectly and I'm so glad Luna found herself.