Lunar Boy

Transgender, brown-skinned Indu has always weathered big changes with his adoptive hijabi mother, who found him alone on an outlying moon during a space mission. Now, socially anxious Indu faces a move from their beloved community spaceship to neo-Indonesian New Earth, and while opportunities for connection abound--Indu must improve his Bahasa Indonesia with an after-school tutor, navigate living with a new parent and siblings, and correspond with a school-mandated pen pal, who is queer--he worries that New Earth society, while racially diverse, lacks consideration for his gender identity. Feeling isolated, Indu accepts when delegates from the moon of his origin offer to retrieve him on the night of the new year. But as the date approaches, and as Indu's new friends and family make him feel more at home, he's forced to consider where he belongs. Twin creators the Wibowos compose characters with striking light and shadow; this cinematic interplay intensifies moments of clarity and connection for Indu and others, while a radiant palette of warm, sun-drenched pinks and oranges underscore the vibrant community of care and support that envelop Indu. Reminiscent of Le Petit Prince, this lustrous debut graphic novel signals a much brighter future for its protagonist and those who relate to him. Ages 8-12. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative Management. (May)

Gr 6 Up--Indu is discovered on the moon by his adoptive mother Dariya, who picks him up during a space mission. Indu spends much of his childhood onboard the spaceship Eyesun, which houses an entire community. Indu comes out as trans to his mother at a young age and is easily accepted. However, he has to endure many changes when it is time for them to depart for New Earth--a futuristic, neo-Indonesian planet. Upon arrival on New Earth, Indu is immediately faced with several social challenges. He struggles with a language barrier, transphobia at school, and conflict with his older brother Alon. He is relieved when he starts to receive messages from the moon, which offer to take him back on the night of the New Year, but over time, Indu finds solace in a new pen pal and in the connections he makes at a queer community center. With a renewed sense of belonging, Indu regrets his decision to return to the moon and must decide to stay or go. References to Indonesian queer history emphasize that queer people have existed throughout time and in all cultures. Shifting color palettes set the tone, with warmer colors on New Earth and cooler ones in space. The authors seamlessly weave the lore of New Earth into the story, making it easy to understand without over-explaining. Themes of acceptance and the importance of community make this a great pick for readers who are coming-of-age or struggling with identity. While marketed toward middle grades, this book would be appealing for high school students as well. VERDICT This heartwarming story about found family and finding yourself is an immersive and refreshing shift from traditional science fiction.--Jillian Girardeau

"A radiant palette of warm, sun-drenched pinks and oranges underscore the vibrant community of care and support that envelop Indu. Reminiscent of Le Petit Prince, this lustrous debut graphic novel signals a much brighter future for its protagonist and those who relate to him." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This luminously illustrated graphic novel offers readers a lovely story of change, understanding, identity, and belonging. Stellar: both heartbreaking and heartwarming." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A fresh, empathetic tale of a transmasculine moon-boy's journey toward understanding one's space and the space that's sometimes necessary to give others. An expansive, organic palette with pastel pops of trans-flag pride, all with inclusive and friendly character design that leaves readers feeling dipped in sun/moonshine." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"With gorgeous, imaginative, sci-fi art steeped in Indonesian culture, Lunar Boy is a must-have tale of belonging that reclaims the rich queer history of the pre-colonial past for the post-colonial future. This graphic novel made me feel so warm and hopeful." — Xiran Jay Zhao, author of New York Times bestselling Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

"Lunar Boy is a salve for the yearning heart! A wonderfully vibrant and wholesome story of found family, and the importance of community." — Bre Indigo, co-author of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, The Dog Knight, and Northranger

"A beautiful tale of acceptance and finding where you belong even within the vastness of space! Perfect for young readers looking for a positive and uplifting story about identity and family." — Kay Davault, author of Misfit Mansion and Star Knights

"A poignant, heartfelt story about searching for understanding and community, Lunar Boy dazzles with beautiful color palettes, luxurious indigenous sci-fi futurism, and diverse characters from start to finish. Uplifting, heartbreaking, inspiring, and everything in between. A stellar debut." — Zachary Sterling, author of Mabuhay!

"A beautifully blended story that connects the importance of communication, respect, patience, and understanding." — Joanna Cacao, author of The Secret of the Ravens

"Lunar Boy is both tender and ethereal. With vibrant illustrations and an affirming queer narrative, Jes and Cin have created a rich world that will leave readers starry-eyed." — Elle Pierre, author of Evelyn and Avery: The Art of Friendship