The Stars Beneath Our Feet

The right story at the right time. . . . Its not just a narrative; its an experience. Its the novel weve been waiting for." The New York Times A boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brothers death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity. Winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent and soon to be a major motion picture directed by Michael B. Jordan! Its Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom arent celebrating. Theyre still reeling from his older brothers death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lollys mothers girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lollys always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward. His path isnt clearand the pressure to join a crew, as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escapeand an unexpected bridge back to the world. David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edgeof adolescence, of grief, of violenceand shows how Lollys inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors. A New York Times Notable Book A Time Magazine Top 10 Children's Books of the Year A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of the Year Six Starred Reviews A fast and furious read in which we meet some amazing people, people that stay with us. David Barclay Moore is an exciting new voice. We definitely havent heard the last of his brilliance. Jacqueline Woodson, Newbery Honor and National Book Awardwinning author of Brown Girl Dreaming The Stars Beneath Our Feet is about the weight of the world on the back of a child, and the creative tools necessary to alleviate that pressure. I found myself rooting for Lolly, and you will too. Jason Reynolds, Coretta Scott King Honor Winner for As Brave As You