Moon--12, Black, nonbinary--is despondent, and that fact inspires every aspect of this metaphysical exploration of the effects of depression. Written in the first person, the novel buries readers in Moon's forlorn point of view. They haven't spoken out loud in months, and the resulting reading experience is intensely--and appropriately--internal. Moon has told their loving but despairing mother they no longer want to be in "your world" (as Moon chillingly dubs it, addressing readers), and every night, they transcend into a spirit realm where souls grow over eons through reincarnation. The fantastical trappings of this reality reflect Moon's internal struggle, and there, a shape-shifting mentor tries to inspire hope in them, even as an ambitious being named the Keeper manipulates them to gain power. As Moon literally fades from the living world, they must learn how to love themself in order to thwart the Keeper, save both realities, and rediscover joy. A valuable window into an often-opaque mental illness and a lifeline to readers in need.

National Book Award winner Callender (King and the Dragonflies) tells the emotionally harrowing story of Moon, a Black nonbinary 12-year-old who astral-projects into another realm each night, escaping a life threatened by prejudice in a world altered by an unnamed disease. Life among the living is unbearable for depressed Moon, who no longer speaks, feels unloved by their concerned but uncomprehending parent, and often wishes for death. Regularly visiting a spirit world comprising beings from many cultures and time periods, Moon is there tethered to life by a golden ankle chain that also prohibits visiting other realms. After accepting an impossible offer from the world's Keeper, Moon undertakes a potentially disastrous mission that teaches what it is to experience love and to feel free. Interstitials develop the story of a child named Blue, born among the stars but raised on the ground. Burrowing to the marrow of what it means to be marginalized and depressed, dreamlike first-person text adroitly juxtaposes Moon's feelings of unbelonging with an abundant possibility of love, both self-directed and external. A rousing central character, Moon is vulnerable in the face of pain, loving despite disappointment, and determined to make their own choices in a novel that emphasizes how "you're so loved, even if you can't see it." Ages 8-- 12. Agent: Beth Phelan, Gallt and Zacker Literary. (Sept.)

Gr 4--7--Moonflower wants to be happy, but it feels an impossible when so many hate them without even knowing them. It is only when Moonflower journeys outside their body to the spirit world at night that they find peace. The spirit world houses their best friend and protector Wolf, as well as a tantalizing promise of a way out from all of Moonflower's pain and suffering. But when Moonflower makes a mistake, all things and creatures they love are threatened with destruction. In a tale that is a nuanced blend of otherworldly fantasy with the realistic inner struggles of mental illness, Moonflower's sorrows and triumphs will have readers weeping and cheering along. VERDICT Callender's latest is a powerful journey, teaching true self-love and acceptance in a way that is directly accessible for young readers. Highly recommended for purchase.--Emily Beasley