Common Sense Media Review
By Oliver Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartening, wholesome interstellar trans tale of belonging.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In LUNAR BOY, Indu is found alone on a moon and brought to Earth, where he is introduced to a new family, a new language, new foods, new customs, and new community. As he and others navigate the unknown of various kinds, love, conflict, allyship, ritual, and community take center stage. When the moon calls for Indu to return, he must choose between his previous life void of pain and relationships and his budding new life full of love, pain, caring people, and identity exploration.
Is It Any Good?
A dazzling and heartfelt graphic novel about finding belonging in times of great change. Warm and life-affirming, Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo deserves a place on all readers' bookshelves, no matter their age. With echoes of The Little Prince, it weaves an epic trans tale with all its dysphoria and euphoria, highlighting what is possible when families, friends, and communities strive to love each other for who they are. Sometimes imperfect in their efforts, but always trying, this endearing cast of characters will leave readers more curious about themselves and the world. The Wibowos' engrossing storytelling is impossible to escape in this phenomenal gravitational pull of a debut.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes a family in Lunar Boy. Who is part of your family? Why?
Indu shows perseverance and bravery in his identity explorations. When was the last time you showed courage trying something new?
If you could dress any way you like, which characters dressed in a way that you might want to try? What do you like about their style?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrators : Jacinta Wibowo , Jessica Wibowo
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperAlley
- Publication date : May 14, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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