Stargazing by Jen Wang
Published by First Second on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 125018388X
Pages: 224
Goodreads

This graphic novel about friendship is based on an experience in Wang’s childhood. The main character, Christine, is struggling with living up to the expectations of her parents and many of these include stereotypical behavior in the Chinese American community: do well at math, play violin, always obey your parents and strive to be the best. But Christine is not great at math and she is just okay at violin. When she meets Moon, another Chinese American girl, she realizes that not all Chinese Americans are the same, nor do they have to be. Moon is relaxed and fun, she is a Buddhist, and she loves to draw and dance to K-pop music. Christine really likes Moon, but she is also jealous at the ease in which Moon seems to move through life. When her jealousy leads her to do something unkind, she must come to terms with her behavior. Adding to this is the fact that Moon is sick. Did Christine contribute to the illness with her unkindness? Will there be time to make it up to Moon? Wang layers in her message about the difficulty of being a good friend and the consequences of decisions we make with a gentle touch. Gorgeously drawn and colored, this graphic novel will be a hit with fans of Jenny Holms, Raina Telgemeier, and Shannon Hale.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth