Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE NINE MOONS OF HAN YU AND LULI

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THE NINE MOONS OF HAN YU AND LULI

Karina Yan Glaser

Parallel stories that take place in 731 China and 1931 Chinatown, N.Y., about the struggles of two Chinese families. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The story involves sick family members, perilous journeys, bandits, tigers, poverty, and foreclosure, but is intended for middle-grade readers and appears focused on resilience rather than graphic depiction. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No excessive commercialism or product placement.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Children face serious illness, a perilous journey, bandits, con artists, and tigers, creating sustained suspense and danger.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Features perilous travel, encounters with bandits, and threats in historical settings.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters display immense bravery in their respective trials.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Luli inventively converts part of a building into a museum, while Han Yu uses relationships with animals and practical resourcefulness.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses deeply on Chinese culture and heritage through the experiences of the protagonists.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into 8th-century Chinese history and 1930s American economic history.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Acts of empathy and kindness are key to the characters' survival.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of resilience, family, sacrifice, and community support.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show great agency and responsibility in challenging circumstances.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in THE NINE MOONS OF HAN YU AND LULI would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE NINE MOONS OF HAN YU AND LULI, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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