The Newbery Honor–winning author of Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All explores the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering in this heartfelt middle school novel.

THE MOON WITHOUT STARS
by Chanel Miller
Philomel Books, January 2026
(via Sterling Lord Literistic)

At the beginning of seventh grade, Luna knows who she is: an observant, quiet girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott. But when one of their zines takes off, Luna is somehow swept up into the popular group and learns just how much of herself she’s going to have to compromise to stay there. Will she give up her writing? Her best friend? What about her own beliefs about who she is and what she stands for?

Featuring author-illustrator Chanel Miller’s signature line drawings, The Moon Without Stars is a deeply personal and often funny novel about what it means to lose and then find yourself again during the vulnerable, life-changing years of middle school.

« Authentic and raw, this story is at once a timeless account of growing up and a tale that’s specific to this generation . . . Genuine and poignant; has the makings of a modern classic.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Subtle, original, and lightly suspenseful, Luna’s journey toward learning to balance the complex ins and outs of social interaction with her own desires will resonate with those seeking community and understanding.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Miller accurately captures stigmas that persist through middle-school life, from periods to peer pressure. But young readers won’t only see a reflection of their experiences on these pages, they’ll find new perspectives . . . An unflinching, nuanced take on contemporary middle-school life.” —Booklist, starred review

“Miller (Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All) writes Luna’s voice with authenticity and warmth, capturing the awkward humor, emotion, and self-discovery that define early adolescence . . . An authentic coming-of-age story that encourages empathy, accountability, and confidence.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Miller has crafted a sensitive, authentic voice for the protagonist . . . 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.” —The Horn Book, starred review

Chanel Miller is a writer and artist. Her first children’s book, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, was a Newbery Honor winner and an instant New York Times bestseller. It was also a TODAY show Read with Jenna Jr selection, a Good Housekeeping Best Kids’ Book Awards winner, a New York Times for Kids pick, a The Week Junior book club selection, a People magazine summer reading pick, a Junior Library Guild selection, and an Indie Next pick. Her memoir, Know My Name, was a New York Times bestseller, a New York Times Book Review Notable Book, and a winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Ridenhour Book Prize, and the California Book Award. It was also a best book of the year in TIME, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, NPR, and People, among others. She was named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and a Time Next 100 honoree and was a Glamour Woman of the Year honoree. You can visit her online at Chanel-Miller.com or follow her on Instagram @Chanel_Miller.