The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Two tweens living in different timelines embark on parallel journeys to save their families in this absorbing magical adventure by Yan Glaser (the Vanderbeekers series). In 731 Chang’An, China, Han Yu sells steamed buns at the market with his father. At home, Han Yu’s affinity with animals is overshadowed by the accomplishments of his remarkable sibling, which span various trades and academic fields. In 1931, Luli Lee sells similar goods at her family’s restaurant in New York City’s Chinatown, and spends her free time joyfully indulging in her artistic passions and engaging with her community. When medical and financial circumstances, stemming from each timeline’s respective historical events, jeopardize their families’ livelihood, Han Yu and Luli must each embark on a journey to secure their loved ones’ futures. As Han Yu treks to reunite with his family, who are quarantined with a mysterious lung disease, Luli seeks to save her parents’ business from foreclosure following Black Thursday. Polished prose renders the characters’ treacherous quests, throughout which the protagonists encounter both wayward strangers and lifelong friends. Each well-researched timeline offers digestible accounts of the events addressed while quaint b&w pencil sketches ground the bustling plot, making for an endearing tribute to bravery and friendship. An author’s note and bibliography conclude. Ages 8–12. Agent: Ginger Clark, Ginger Clark Literary. (Sept.)