STARGAZING SC

One of our Gosh! Best of 2019 titles! Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker made our Best Of 2018 list, and her 2019 release just had to be included. Completely different in style and tone, Wang moves away from the period setting of Prince, to focus on the lives of middle-schooler Christine and new-girl-in-town Moon. The unlikely friendship formed between the two girls bridges class and convention, as Moon brings the shy Christine out of her shell. Wang captures the feeling of finding a kindred spirit, as the two girls go from awkward strangers to true confidants who share their darkest secrets, including the fact the Moon is visited by celestial beings. Wangƒƒ‚‚ƒ‚‚’s art is expressive and distinct, as her characters truly feel as if they could dance off the page. Of course, not all is at it seems, and Moon's stargazing brings an unexpected twist that threatens the girls' bond.