The Moon Without Stars
Chanel Miller
257 pages · Released Jan 13, 2026 · Penguin Group
Content report card
What's inside
Violence
Fighting, weapons, death
Language
Swearing, crude humor
Sexual content
Romance intensity, nudity
LGBTQ+ themes
Presence of characters or themes
Scary or mature
Horror, trauma, heavy themes
Substance use
Alcohol, drugs, smoking
What it offers
Positive messages
Kindness, courage, honesty, resilience
Positive role models
Characters who model good judgment and growth
Educational value
History, science, culture, how the world works
A note for parents
This is a contemporary middle school novel about identity, friendship, and peer pressure that resonates with the target age group experiencing similar social dynamics. The story rewards authenticity and self-knowledge while exploring the emotional challenges of fitting in without losing yourself. Language is age-appropriate with minimal profanity, and there are no graphic or violent content concerns. The book's strength lies in its emotional honesty about the vulnerable middle school years and features a relatable protagonist learning to navigate popularity, loyalty, and personal values.
Analyzed by AI · 18 hours ago
From the publisher
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The Newbery Honor–winning author of Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All explores the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering in this heartfelt middle school novel. ★ "Genuine and poignant; has the makings of a modern classic.” —Kirkus... AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The Newbery Honor–winning author of Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All explores the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering in this heartfelt middle school novel. ★ "Genuine and poignant; has the makings of a modern classic.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) At the beginning of seventh grade, Luna knows who she is: an observant, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off, Luna is somehow 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? Featuring author-illustrator Chanel Miller’s signature line drawings, The Moon Without Stars is a deeply personal and often funny novel about what it means to lose and then find yourself again during the vulnerable, life-changing years of middle school.
Shelved under
- Juvenile Fiction
- Young Adult
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ISBN 9780593624555 · Penguin Group