Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mystery connects tweens across centuries in stunning novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE NINE MOONS OF HAN YU AND LULI begins in 731 with Han Yu's story. He lives in China's capitol, Chang'an, with his parents, two brothers and a sister and works with his father in their steamed bun shop. Luli Lee's story takes place in New York City's Chinatown in 1931. She lives with her parents, who own a popular Chinese restaurant. They've been saving for years to buy their building, which also has apartments and a gift shop run by Luli's honorary uncle, Quong. Luli and Quong's nephew, Sam, are always looking for ways to attract more customers to the shop. Once people see some of Quong's treasures (including an ancient piece of silk handed down in his family), Luli hopes they'll gain an appreciation for China's long history. But both Han Yu and Luli's lives are about to be changed forever. A mysterious illness has arrived in Chang'an killing thousands of people and quarantining everyone in his family but Han Yu. In order to earn money for the family, Han Yu's father had agreed to deliver a load of spices, perfume, and silk to a city days away, but now that's impossible. So Han Yu decides he must take his father's place. Along with his dog, Lok, and a camel named Lotus, he loads up a pushcart and starts walking. If he doesn't reach the city by the 18th day of the next moon cycle, he won't be paid. It's not long before things begin to go wrong. But then he meets a young poet named Du Fu, who agrees to help him and together, they begin a perilous journey through snowstorms and across mountains and deserts. In New York City, Luli's parents have received a foreclosure notice from their bank and are in danger of having their building repossessed. Her parents decide they must close the restaurant and take on whatever jobs they can find. Determined to help, Luli and Sam start a pushcart business selling steamed buns that Luli makes in the deserted restaurant kitchen. Just when things look the bleakest, solving the mystery behind the origins of Quong's silk and their connection to Han Yu and Du Fu could offer a way to save the restaurant, gift shop, and Luli's family home.
Is It Any Good?
This unforgettable page-turner effortlessly blends historical fact and fiction with gentle lessons about the importance of kindness, friendship, and family. With 432 pages, The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli could seem intimidating to some younger readers. But even the most reluctant tweens are certain to find themselves swept up in Han Yu and Luli's stories that are filled with adventure, cliff hangers, and even a bit of mystery and magic. Readers who love animals will find that Lotus the camel, Lok and Copper the dogs, Penelope the cat, Ziwei the turtle, magpies, homing pigeons, and chickadees all play important roles in the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of teamwork and friendship in The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli. When have you helped a friend with something they found difficult? How did it make you feel to help?
What did the kindness and compassion Han Yu and Luli show toward the animals in the story tell you about their characters?
Han Yu and Luli never gave up, even when the odds against them seemed overwhelming. What have you done that took perseverance?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Karina Yan Glaser
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Animals ( Dogs , Wild Animals ) , Cooking , Family Stories , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Allida
- Publication date : September 16, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
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