Books Like When the Moon Was Ours
Families who loved When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is exploring the complexities of identity, particularly gender identity, or when they are navigating the weight of keeping secrets in a world that demands conformity. It is an essential choice for supporting a child who feels different or is looking for a beautiful, nuanced representation of transgender and multicultural experiences. The story follows Miel, a girl with roses growing from her wrists, and Sam, a transgender boy who hangs paper moons, as they protect their deepest truths from four sisters rumored to be witches. Through lush, magical realism, the novel explores themes of self-acceptance, loyalty, and the courage to live authentically. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its lyrical, sophisticated prose and mature themes of romance and self-discovery. Parents will find it a powerful tool for validating their teen's journey toward wholeness and reinforcing the idea that their uniqueness is a source of strength rather than shame.
