Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The author of Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All (rev. 7/24) here unfolds heavier themes for a slightly older audience with her signature heartwarming humor. Luna Noon, a biracial Chinese American tween living in the Bay Area, and her quiet, quirky friend Scott develop a bibliotherapy program at school. They collect notes from classmates who face all kinds of issues, big and small, and offer books to ease the problems. The program takes off, successfully helping several kids, supported by Luna and Scott's special rapport and by the relatability of the adolescent issues (crushes, acne, periods) about which their classmates inquire. But friendships shift in middle school, and soon Luna is part of a popular, mean-girl crowd, wearing mascara, shoplifting, and leaving Scott behind. Worse, the bibliotherapy program has devolved into "fix-it zines" that highlight girls' worst qualities, eventually alienating Luna and triggering a depressive episode. Luna's journey back to herself takes time, grace, and the support of adults and peers who see her true worth. Miller has crafted a sensitive, authentic voice for the protagonist, who must confront all-too-familiar instances of bullying and also cope with her mother's mental health battles and her distant dad. Readers will find comfort in the moments of levity and small acts of kindness in the story that balance these darker plot lines while also knowing that they, like Luna's bibliotherapy subjects, are not alone. (c) Copyright 2026. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

After her zines launch her into the popular crowd, seventh grader Luna must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to stay there. At an age when the awkwardness of simply existing is amplified by puberty, bookish Luna Noon enters middle school in the Bay Area feeling unremarkable. Eager to shed her self-perceived blandness, Luna, who’s white and Chinese American, turns to her closest (and only) friend, Scott Mango, to create zines that will shake things up. Blending Luna’s words with Scott’s drawings, the pair use their zines to bring comfort to students who are self-conscious about things like acne, eczema, periods, sexuality, and phobias. Soon, Luna’s writing catches the attention of the in crowd, who invite her to sit with them at lunch—with one catch. She must leave creative, sentimental Scott behind. At first, Luna splits her time between Scott and the cool kids. Soon, though, Scott is replaced entirely as she tries wearing makeup, gets invited to her first sleepover, and even begins dating. The cost of belonging, however, continues to rise as Luna is asked to set aside ever more important parts of herself. Authentic and raw, this story is at once a timeless account of growing up and a tale that’s specific to this generation. Readers will empathize with Luna’s sincere attempts to find herself and ache alongside her as she navigates her growing pains. Genuine and poignant; has the makings of a modern classic.(Fiction. 10-14) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.