Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. Stargazing was not at all what I expected, which is a good thing. I liked how different Moon and Christine are, they depict what a lot of childhood friendships are like in that kids who might not otherwise choose to spend time together become friends due to proximity. I also liked how they introduced things to each other like painting nails and learning Chinese.

What a gripping story! There was so much to relate to in how it feels to get to know a new person and changing dynamics in the groups young girls hang out in. The specifics of being part of a larger Asian community and dealing with culturally relevant stresses was well handled and is a great perspective to learn about. It felt a little like a twist in the end learning that Jen Wang's medical experiences informed Moon's, rather than the main character. The way Moon's medical problems and the everyday young girl politics had similar weights on Christine felt very realistic and is validating for kids reading the book. Moon's journey, from having visions to her post-surgery depression, was perfectly conveyed for the target age range, revealing a realistic experience without being too frightening.

Really cute story that shines a light into different households. It also shows that you can be two completely different people, from different households and cultures and still become friends.

Another wonderful addition to the cartoon-y, friendship-focused, middle grade graphic novel collection. Readers will feel the emotions of the characters: both the eccentric new girl, Moon, and the reserved Christine. I appreciate that this story focuses on a healthy, growing best-friendship, rather than the common frenemies scenario. Cultural differences, acceptance, and personal growth are at the core of the story.

Even after having finished this book, I really have no idea what is is about. The cover makes a reader think light hearted mg graphic novel about two best friends. But that is not exactly what is inside. Kids are afraid of the girl Moon because she is mean. Moon moves into an apartment behind Christine’s house and gets to know Moon. There is dancing, being a girl, etc, and the beginnings of a friendship. But the book is all over the place. The title is never really explained, and the characters never go stargazing. I think it's a play on Moon believing she is one with the stars, and Christine gazing upon her. But you also have a wacky terrible surprise ending that comes out of almost nowhere but doesn't really end either. Much of this is based on the author's life while not being autobiographical. It seems more like an amalgamation of scenes then a full story.
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Stargazing is a wonderful graphic novel by Jen Wang that kids in grades 3-6 will really enjoy! Recommend to kids who enjoyed Lumberjanes, Short & Skinny, and Brave.

Christine is the stereotypical Asian-American: plays the violin, has strict parents who shelter her, is part of the Chinese/Taiwanese church, etc. But when she becomes friends with Moon, who is also Asian-American but doesn’t fit these stereotypes, Christine is forced to grow up, take responsibility for her childish actions, and learn how one can be “a black sheep” within a tight-knit community and that be okay.

This middle grades graphic novel does a good job of helping younger middle-grade readers learn why bullying happens, how to take responsibility for it and how to graciously accept apologies, and how to be accepting of those who may be different-yet-similar.

Stargazing is an amazing book with a lot of heart. I was a huge fan of Jen Wang's Prince and the Dressmaker, and this is an excellent followup. Christine is raised in a fairly strict family. Her parents enroll her in violin lessons and discourage her from painting her nails. Moon is raised by a single mother who works in a garden center. She and her mom come in live in the extra unit that Christine's family has. Christine and Moon become fast friends, despite their differences. After a scary situation at a classmate's birthday party, their friendship is tested, and Christine especially learns a lesson in friendship.

I loved this sweet story so much. There are so many rich layers, and both Christine and Moon are charming and relatable characters. Christine's dad is the most developed adult character, and while Christine's relationship with her parents is a source of conflict at some points, it is clear that he has his daughter's best interests at heart. Give this to your realistic fiction fans. A true gem of a book!

Thanks to First Second Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

In Stargazing, Jen Wang has created a graphic novel about two young girls who become friends -- one who is growing up in a strict Asian household, the other who is an artsy Buddhist and daughter of a single mom.

The illustrations are reminiscent of Sunday comics in their style - inviting and accessible. The story itself is good, though a little choppy. Still, this is a good read for middle grade readers up through adults.

What a wonderful book! New friends, neighbors, being different, health scares, different cultures.... just a truly wonderful book! I can’t wait to share it with kids!

Sweet, heartfelt, and eye-opening. The art is beautiful and the story speaks volumes about how we perceive ourselves and how others see us. This story focuses on a narrative drawn from true events in the author's life - a brain tumor and a history growing up Asian-American but never feeling quite connected to her community. As always, Wang's art is stellar and moving, enhancing the story perfectly.

I loved this graphic novel story of fitting in, standing out, and being a real friend, all with the specific lived experience of a strong Asian American community. Stargazing will be an easy sell to middle grade readers who like Raina Telgemeier or books about friendship like Shannon Hale's Real Friends.

I loved Wang's previous title, The Prince and the Dressmaker, so I admit I was predisposed to like Stargazing, but I certainly didn't expect to like it as much as I did! Moon and Christine couldn't be more different if they tried, but that doesn't stop them from eventually being friends (though Christine sure has her doubts at first). The way Wang shows the mixing of different cultures, and even subcultures within them, is just delightful and touching. This is absolutely a must for libraries who have Raina Telgemeier fans (and what library doesn't have those?)!

Identified a lot with topics in the book: house shoes at wrong door, vegetarian dan dan noodles, expectations from family, shaved ice. Nice write up and photos in afterwards from the author, another one of those books that a younger me would’ve appreciated, keep them coming.

This just hurt my heart and built it back up in the course of a couple of hours. Stargazing is a fast read, focusing on the themes of friendship, forgiveness, identity and community, and the art is adorable. Christine and Moon are heart-achingly realistic, I can't wait for it to be published so I can recommend it to our middle school readers.

Stargazing tells the story of two friends that come from wildly different worlds. The characters were believable, and I felt connections to both main girls. Towards the end the book had me in tears, both sad and happy.

Jen Wang does it again! I had no idea the story was autobiographical until the end. A great middle grade graphic novel about fitting in and being someplace in between at the same time.

Wang's artwork is so lovely and this was a great story that I can see being popular with kids who love Smile and Real Friends. Will for sure purchase this for our middle grade graphic novel collection!

Absolutely beautiful and charming coming of age story about two perhaps unlikely friends and their exploration of what it means to both meet and defy the expectations of their community. According to the back material the story is fictional, but was strongly influenced by the author's own experiences. I'm so glad she's found such a lovely way of sharing at least part of her story.

Christine's not perfect, but wishes she could be. Then her strict parents would be proud of her. But, really, she wants to be like her new friend/back-yard neighbor, Moon. She's very different from Christine; she wears nail polish, loves K-Pop and dancing, and is a talented artist, but can have a short fuse. Christine finds freedom in her friendship with Moon. But when Moon confides to Kristine that she doesn't belong on Earth, that she often has visions of celestial beings, neither girl knows the truth. However, that truth comes crashing down as their friendship hits a rough patch. Can the girls recover? Or will all be lost?

A fantastic original semi-autobiographical novel from Jen Wang, the art, story, and characters are all brilliant and beautiful. Both of the main characters are flawed and have their strengths, making both Christine and Moon very realistic in all aspects. The emotions and experiences Wang draws upon in creating this novel clearly shine through with a resonating effect. This is a fantastic read for readers of all ages, for we can all find lessons about friendship, identity, and growing up in "Stargazing".