The Moon Without Stars

Longlist, National Book Awards 2026 for Young People's Literature

The Moon Without Stars book cover with longlist medallion
ISBN 9780593624555
Philomel Books / Penguin Random House
Chanel Miller headshot
Chanel Miller

Chanel Miller is a writer and artist. Her first children’s book, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, was a Newbery Honor book, a New York Times bestseller, a New York Times for Kids pick, a Junior Library Guild selection, and an Indie Next pick. She was named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30, a TIME100 Next honoree, and a Glamour Woman of the Year honoree. More about this author >

Award Years

Award Status

From the publisher:

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.

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