While aimed at the 8 to 12 year olds, it is a story for all ages and I would recommend it, especially if you liked The Prince and the Dressmaker.Emerging Artist Showcase: Jenn Wang’s the Prince and the dressmaker February 15 - Extended through August 27, 2018 However, in the end, their friendship is strong enough to mend the hurt. A tumultuous birthday party causes a scare and rift that Christine isn’t sure how to overcome. This becomes especially bitter as a new friend has more freedoms to do things with Moon and Christine becomes weighed down with extra math classes to keep maintaining perfect grades.

Over time Moon makes new friends which sparks jealousy in Christine. The two become fast friends with Moon opening up about her deepest secrets and sharing her journal. The Hongs have a small cottage on the back of their property that is empty now that an elder relative has passed away, so they offer to rent it to the Lins, and Moon transfers to Christine’s school.ĭue to a rumor that Moon had changed schools because of punching a kid, Christine is initially suspicious of her but an evening together finds the girls connecting through a shared love of music. When we meet the Lins they are needing to find a new home as they can no longer afford the rent where they are living. She’s being raised by her mother following the death of her father a few years ago. Beyond the superficial, Moon’s life is different than Christine’s. She’s also outgoing and sometimes a bit brash. Moon doesn’t know how to speak or read Chinese and has no interest in joining the class. Moon can dress less conservatively and paint her nails. Moon’s allowed free rein in a way that has Christine a little envious. Moon Lin is unlike any Chinese American girl Christine knows. Though a good student and musician, Christine is not confident in her abilities.

She’s compliant to her parents rules regarding no make-up, jewelry, or other things they deem frivolous. With her parents’ high expectations on achievement, Christine is studious and a good violinist. Her family hosts weekly Chinese school at their home for kids to practice reading, writing, and speaking Chinese. Once again she explores themes of friendship, identity, and privilege.Ĭhristine Hong is Chinese American in a tight knit community. The Prince and the Dressmaker blew me away so I had high expectations for Stargazing, and Wang did not disappoint.

She read it in one sitting and then began insisting that I needed to read it. My 10 year old spotted Stargazing at San Diego Comic Con and we had to bring it home. Stargazing is the most recent graphic novel from Jen Wang of The Prince and the Dressmaker fame.

Jen wang the prince and the dressmaker