It’s a book in which art is celebrated, being different is an act of resistance, and acceptance, not resignation, is the answer.' - The New York Times The power of adults as influencers and confidants, nurturing by words, deeds and acts of kindness large and small, fuels every page of this novel. 'Moore tells Lolly’s story of survival with the right mix of humor and hope to balance violence, fear, denial and deprivation. I found myself rooting for Lolly, and you will too.” -Jason Reynolds, Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner for As Brave As YouĪ Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year

“ The Stars Beneath Our Feet is about the weight of the world on the back of a child, and the creative tools necessary to alleviate that pressure. We definitely haven’t heard the last of his brilliance.” -Jacqueline Woodson, Newbery Honor and National Book Award–winning of Brown Girl Dreaming David Barclay Moore is an exciting new voice. “A fast and furious read in which we meet some amazing people, people that stay with us. MORE PRAISE FOR THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET:Ī Time Top 10 Children's Books of the YearĪ Boston Globe Best Children's Book of the YearĪ Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearĪ Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of the YearĪ Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of the Year

But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape-and an unexpected bridge back to the world.ĭavid Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge-of adolescence, of grief, of violence-and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. His path isn’t clear-and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. ** WINNER OF THE CORETTA SCOTT KING–JOHN STEPTOE AWARD FOR NEW TALENT! ** It’s the novel we’ve been waiting for.' - The New York TimesĪ boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brother’s death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity. It’s not just a narrative it’s an experience.

The stars beneath