  | Moonflower Author: Callender, Kacen | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Moon is convinced that they do not belong to this world: that most of the time they are invisible (unless they stay still too long), that they belong to the stars, and want to go back to them--they live entirely in their imagination with an imaginary spirit guide who can appear in any shape and refuses to speak to anyone, lest their words tie them to a world they reject.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.90 Points: 8.0 Quiz: 515609 |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (+) (12/01/22)
Booklist (07/01/22)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/07/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 07/01/2022 Moon—12, Black, nonbinary—is despondent, and that fact inspires every aspect of this metaphysical exploration of the effects of depression. Written in the first person, the novel buries readers in Moon’s forlorn point of view. They haven’t spoken out loud in months, and the resulting reading experience is intensely—and appropriately—internal. Moon has told their loving but despairing mother they no longer want to be in “your world” (as Moon chillingly dubs it, addressing readers), and every night, they transcend into a spirit realm where souls grow over eons through reincarnation. The fantastical trappings of this reality reflect Moon’s internal struggle, and there, a shape-shifting mentor tries to inspire hope in them, even as an ambitious being named the Keeper manipulates them to gain power. As Moon literally fades from the living world, they must learn how to love themself in order to thwart the Keeper, save both realities, and rediscover joy. A valuable window into an often-opaque mental illness and a lifeline to readers in need. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
Booklist - 07/01/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 12/01/2022 Gr 4–7—Moonflower wants to be happy, but it feels an impossible when so many hate them without even knowing them. It is only when Moonflower journeys outside their body to the spirit world at night that they find peace. The spirit world houses their best friend and protector Wolf, as well as a tantalizing promise of a way out from all of Moonflower's pain and suffering. But when Moonflower makes a mistake, all things and creatures they love are threatened with destruction. In a tale that is a nuanced blend of otherworldly fantasy with the realistic inner struggles of mental illness, Moonflower's sorrows and triumphs will have readers weeping and cheering along. VERDICT Callender's latest is a powerful journey, teaching true self-love and acceptance in a way that is directly accessible for young readers. Highly recommended for purchase.—Emily Beasley - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
