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Lunar Boy
For fans of The Witch Boy and Squished, Lunar Boy is a must-have heartwarming coming-of-age graphic novel about a young boy from the moon who discovers a home in the most unlikely places, from debut twin creators Jes and Cin Wibowo.
Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn’t belong. He hasn’t since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship—their home—to live on Earth with their new blended family. The kids at school think he’s weird, he has a crush on his pen pal who might not like him back, and his stepfamily doesn’t seem to know what to do with him. Worst of all, Indu can’t even talk to his mom about how he’s feeling because she’s so busy.
In a moment of loneliness, Indu calls out to the moon, begging them to take him back. And against all odds, the moon hears him and agrees to bring him home on the first day of the New Year. But as the promised day draws nearer, Indu finds friendship in unlikely places and discovers that home is more than where you come from. And when the moon calls again, Indu must decide: Is he willing to give up what he’s just found?
Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn’t belong. He hasn’t since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship—their home—to live on Earth with their new blended family. The kids at school think he’s weird, he has a crush on his pen pal who might not like him back, and his stepfamily doesn’t seem to know what to do with him. Worst of all, Indu can’t even talk to his mom about how he’s feeling because she’s so busy.
In a moment of loneliness, Indu calls out to the moon, begging them to take him back. And against all odds, the moon hears him and agrees to bring him home on the first day of the New Year. But as the promised day draws nearer, Indu finds friendship in unlikely places and discovers that home is more than where you come from. And when the moon calls again, Indu must decide: Is he willing to give up what he’s just found?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
September 16, 2024
This was absolute perfection!
Have you ever read a graphic novel that taps into your emotions? Lunar Boy was an unexpected and joyous read for me. The positive queer rep, the inclusion of Indonesian, and Indonesian culture as well as it's connections to the queer community, the conversations about big changes, grief, and healing were all elements that made this such an immersive, enjoyable, and beautiful read. There are very few graphic novels in this world that have brought me to the brink of tears and Lunar Boy has officially made that list. Watching Indu's journey growing from a "moon child" to this thoughtful, kind, and endearing kid was beautiful. He experiences so many ups and downs, but the Wibowo twins always make sure that hope is somewhere close by.
Have you ever read a graphic novel that taps into your emotions? Lunar Boy was an unexpected and joyous read for me. The positive queer rep, the inclusion of Indonesian, and Indonesian culture as well as it's connections to the queer community, the conversations about big changes, grief, and healing were all elements that made this such an immersive, enjoyable, and beautiful read. There are very few graphic novels in this world that have brought me to the brink of tears and Lunar Boy has officially made that list. Watching Indu's journey growing from a "moon child" to this thoughtful, kind, and endearing kid was beautiful. He experiences so many ups and downs, but the Wibowo twins always make sure that hope is somewhere close by.
July 7, 2024
Lunar Boy is so adorable! My heart might burst 🥹 I’ve decided I like this niche genre of LGBTQ+ graphic novels set in space lol - this is not the only one I’ve read !! 🪐🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️💖
The story follows a young trans boy, Indu, who is from the moon and lives on a spaceship with his adoptive mother. They disembark from the spaceship to go and live on Earth with their new blended family. But Indu is finding it hard to adjust to life on Earth, he misses the tight-knit sense of community on the spaceship. He doesn’t speak Indonesian so is struggling to make friends at his new school. He is given a tutor to help him with the language barrier, a trans girl named Aminah. His new brother, Alon, is rejecting him and he isn’t sure why…
Indu feels so lonely that he calls to the moon, begging to return home to there. The moon agrees that he can come back, on the first day of the New Year. However, will Indy want to return after a school project brings him a new pen pal, Noah? He fast develops on crush on Noah, but the issue is that they are is in space. Will they meet when Noah visits Earth? Will this change Indu’s mind?
This is definitely one for anybody who has ever felt like they don’t fit in, and that all they want is to be understood, accepted, and loved. 🥺
5 stars ✨🚀
The story follows a young trans boy, Indu, who is from the moon and lives on a spaceship with his adoptive mother. They disembark from the spaceship to go and live on Earth with their new blended family. But Indu is finding it hard to adjust to life on Earth, he misses the tight-knit sense of community on the spaceship. He doesn’t speak Indonesian so is struggling to make friends at his new school. He is given a tutor to help him with the language barrier, a trans girl named Aminah. His new brother, Alon, is rejecting him and he isn’t sure why…
Indu feels so lonely that he calls to the moon, begging to return home to there. The moon agrees that he can come back, on the first day of the New Year. However, will Indy want to return after a school project brings him a new pen pal, Noah? He fast develops on crush on Noah, but the issue is that they are is in space. Will they meet when Noah visits Earth? Will this change Indu’s mind?
This is definitely one for anybody who has ever felt like they don’t fit in, and that all they want is to be understood, accepted, and loved. 🥺
5 stars ✨🚀
June 1, 2024
THIS WAS SO FREAKING CUTE. Seriously, go read this.
March 21, 2024
"I already like you, Noah. Every part of you. Even the parts you're still figuring out." ✨️
I know that reading tastes vary, but no one is allowed to dislike this graphic novel!!
I know that reading tastes vary, but no one is allowed to dislike this graphic novel!!
January 27, 2024
QUEER KIDS FROM SPACE! QUEER KIDS FROM SPACE.
Storyline was excellent dealing with and working through changing family dynamics and starting over in new places. Throw in navigating identity and friendships and this was AMAZING. Also had Indonesian history which was lovely to learn about.
The art was absolutely stunning gorgeous amazing. I will be buying this book just to have the pictures. The color choices and overall artistic representation of this story were stunning. Right up there with Wingbearer.
HIGHLY recommend to all readers it was so wonderful and cute!
Storyline was excellent dealing with and working through changing family dynamics and starting over in new places. Throw in navigating identity and friendships and this was AMAZING. Also had Indonesian history which was lovely to learn about.
The art was absolutely stunning gorgeous amazing. I will be buying this book just to have the pictures. The color choices and overall artistic representation of this story were stunning. Right up there with Wingbearer.
HIGHLY recommend to all readers it was so wonderful and cute!
July 12, 2024
This is a wonderful story. There are struggles coming out and being trans (Indu) or bi (Noah), or Pan, coupled with changing family and living in a new place. But real friends pull together.
I liked the colorful graphics. The conversation flowed nicely, but got a little idealistic/preachy now and then. But that is EXACTLY what the designated younger reader of this book needs to see.
Lunar Boy (Indu) came from the moon to live in Indonesia. A little Sci Fi, but really the original moon-location just symbolizes our first simplistic life/location where everything seemed happy, and safe, and zero-decisions, and no need to understand your sexuality. But Lunar Boy and every other character in this story are growing up/older and need to understand how to accept changes.
Mid-book had a turning point for Indu when he came to the queer community center. His tour-guide told him:
In many of the old world's cultures, queer people used to be important leaders and spiritual figures. When our ancestral homeland was colonized, invaders forced the queer people of our islands into hiding or worse. So for the longest time, people on Earth thought there was something wrong with being queer. After all that's happened, queer people today are just trying to figure out how we fit back into everything again.
Indu was seeing the power of community and heritage. He would no longer take pity disguised as help from his peers. This change in Indu was nicely gradual throughout this book, helping the reader realize that all these small steps in the right direction can ultimately yield happy rewards.
Solid 4.5* to round up.
I liked the colorful graphics. The conversation flowed nicely, but got a little idealistic/preachy now and then. But that is EXACTLY what the designated younger reader of this book needs to see.
Lunar Boy (Indu) came from the moon to live in Indonesia. A little Sci Fi, but really the original moon-location just symbolizes our first simplistic life/location where everything seemed happy, and safe, and zero-decisions, and no need to understand your sexuality. But Lunar Boy and every other character in this story are growing up/older and need to understand how to accept changes.
Mid-book had a turning point for Indu when he came to the queer community center. His tour-guide told him:
In many of the old world's cultures, queer people used to be important leaders and spiritual figures. When our ancestral homeland was colonized, invaders forced the queer people of our islands into hiding or worse. So for the longest time, people on Earth thought there was something wrong with being queer. After all that's happened, queer people today are just trying to figure out how we fit back into everything again.
Indu was seeing the power of community and heritage. He would no longer take pity disguised as help from his peers. This change in Indu was nicely gradual throughout this book, helping the reader realize that all these small steps in the right direction can ultimately yield happy rewards.
Solid 4.5* to round up.
July 31, 2024
This was PRECIOUS
June 11, 2024
Is it gay? Yes. Is it for the straights?? No!!!
January 15, 2024
“I already like you. Every part of you. Even the parts you’re still figuring out.”
🌕
Indu was discovered on the moon by his now-adopted mother. Together they live on a spaceship where Indu is happy, but when his mother has to return home, Indu now must learn how to coexist with his new family. He feels like his new dad doesn’t get him, his siblings won’t talk to him, the kids at school think he’s weird and he can’t talk to his mom about it because she’s so busy. When Indu reaches out to the moon asking to return, the moon agrees, but as the date grows near, Indu finds himself becoming more human on earth. When the moon pulls him back, will he want to go?
🌙
This was such a feel-good MG book about belonging, found family and connections. I loved how the authors weaved Indonesian culture and trans discovery into the story. Fans of Witch Boy and Galaxy: The Prettiest Star will love this novel. I can’t wait to get this graphic novel into my collection on May 14!
CW: coming out (theme), adoption, language barriers, some minor bullying
🌕
Indu was discovered on the moon by his now-adopted mother. Together they live on a spaceship where Indu is happy, but when his mother has to return home, Indu now must learn how to coexist with his new family. He feels like his new dad doesn’t get him, his siblings won’t talk to him, the kids at school think he’s weird and he can’t talk to his mom about it because she’s so busy. When Indu reaches out to the moon asking to return, the moon agrees, but as the date grows near, Indu finds himself becoming more human on earth. When the moon pulls him back, will he want to go?
🌙
This was such a feel-good MG book about belonging, found family and connections. I loved how the authors weaved Indonesian culture and trans discovery into the story. Fans of Witch Boy and Galaxy: The Prettiest Star will love this novel. I can’t wait to get this graphic novel into my collection on May 14!
CW: coming out (theme), adoption, language barriers, some minor bullying
May 15, 2024
Very cute and precious story about a trans boy finding himself and his place within his community and family.
I especially loved to see the (gender)queer experiences within the Indonesian culture that the Wibowo siblings show us in all their colors.
I especially loved to see the (gender)queer experiences within the Indonesian culture that the Wibowo siblings show us in all their colors.
January 27, 2024
A beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming story about feeling alone, finding family, belonging, queer community and learning how to love yourself and make a place for yourself amidst great change.
This graphic novel has gorgeous illustrations and boasts a full cast of queer characters. I absolutely loved every minute of this book and can't recommend it enough, especially for fans of Across a field of starlight by Blue Delliquanti.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This graphic novel has gorgeous illustrations and boasts a full cast of queer characters. I absolutely loved every minute of this book and can't recommend it enough, especially for fans of Across a field of starlight by Blue Delliquanti.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 14, 2024
this was SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!
REP: gay trans boy main character, bi trans girl side character, bi side character, pan side character, Indonesian cast, many other queer side characters [Indonesian authors]
REP: gay trans boy main character, bi trans girl side character, bi side character, pan side character, Indonesian cast, many other queer side characters [Indonesian authors]
May 15, 2024
⭐5/5⭐
«Prometí amar cada parte de ti, incluso las partes que no has descubierto aún»
Pero que cosa más preciosa es este cómic. No solo es una historia de amor, sino también una sobre la importancia de encontrar tu comunidad y lo duro que puede ser adaptarse a los cambios. En especial esos que se dan en la adolescencia.
Indu es la cosa más preciosa del mundo y acompañarlo en todo el proceso fue muy enternecedor. Amé como fue desarrollando sus relaciones familiares y como fue creciendo.
La manera en la que el diseño de fondos, mezclando lo espacial con lo tradicional/cultural, es algo que se siente tan fresco. Tan vivo que se sintió como un personaje más.
Cinco estrellas super merecidas
«Prometí amar cada parte de ti, incluso las partes que no has descubierto aún»
Pero que cosa más preciosa es este cómic. No solo es una historia de amor, sino también una sobre la importancia de encontrar tu comunidad y lo duro que puede ser adaptarse a los cambios. En especial esos que se dan en la adolescencia.
Indu es la cosa más preciosa del mundo y acompañarlo en todo el proceso fue muy enternecedor. Amé como fue desarrollando sus relaciones familiares y como fue creciendo.
La manera en la que el diseño de fondos, mezclando lo espacial con lo tradicional/cultural, es algo que se siente tan fresco. Tan vivo que se sintió como un personaje más.
Cinco estrellas super merecidas
July 8, 2024
I want pages of this graphic novel framed and hung around my home, I love this book so much I'm going to recommend it endlessly to everyone and go buy myself a copy of it since I just checked it out at the library.
September 24, 2024
This was so good <33
August 28, 2024
Wow, that was phenomenal!! A little kid was found alone on the moon and later adopted by an Indonesian woman. They live in a spaceship for some period of time but at one time the mother decided to move to Earth to raise a proper family. The kid, Indu, struggled to adapt on Earth. He’s not used to interacting with a lot of humans, he can’t speak Indonesian and his school friends weren’t treating him well. And he still can’t get over the fact that he now has a dad and 2 older siblings. In short, he felt like he didn’t belong there.
As an Indonesian I’m thrilled to see Indonesian writers go International and implant a lot of Indonesian culture in their works. The art is STUNNING, The dreamy pastel color looks awesome. And I love the theme too, considering queer isn’t generally accepted in Indo right now, this implies that it can happen in the future. The inclusive community warmed my heart. Can't say that this is wholly inspired by The Little Prince but the reference to it was fun to notice. Also, the realistic futuristic setting where the land is half-drown? It’s been talked about for a long time that global warming will drown Indonesia. Such detail showed that there’s a lot of thoughts in the making of this book. Love it
As an Indonesian I’m thrilled to see Indonesian writers go International and implant a lot of Indonesian culture in their works. The art is STUNNING, The dreamy pastel color looks awesome. And I love the theme too, considering queer isn’t generally accepted in Indo right now, this implies that it can happen in the future. The inclusive community warmed my heart. Can't say that this is wholly inspired by The Little Prince but the reference to it was fun to notice. Also, the realistic futuristic setting where the land is half-drown? It’s been talked about for a long time that global warming will drown Indonesia. Such detail showed that there’s a lot of thoughts in the making of this book. Love it
January 31, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Had a bit of a The Little Prince feeling to it, with lots of LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Interesting Indonesian setting.
Had a bit of a The Little Prince feeling to it, with lots of LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Interesting Indonesian setting.
April 1, 2024
This book, y'all. Five stars, no notes.
I had this on my radar because it matched a Paperbacks n Frybread "Decolonize Your Bookshelf" prompt - MG novel with a queer MC - and then bumped it up to read during the Trans Rights Readathon. Out in May, so get your pre-orders in now!
The artwork is BEAUTIFUL, with such lush colorwork (and one panel that I would swear is a direct call back to the Little Prince, I see you there). Indu, having been found on a moon and adopted by a mom on a spaceship, is used to the little community on the ship. But when his mom gets married and they move to New Earth, Indu is very much the odd one out, as the "Lunar Boy." He doesn't understand the language well (he has passive fluency of Chinese Indonesian, but doesn't speak or read it), his classmates are standoffish, and he feels like he's losing touch with his mom. All those little problems of being about 11 or 12 are just magnified. But he starts to find friends within the local queer community - facilitated by his language tutor, Aminah, who is AMAZING, LOVE HER - and learn about the rich history of his culture. And even has a little baby romance with his penpal by the end of the book, so sweet.
Just a little bit of a content warning that there is a bit of queerphobia shown by some of Indu's classmates on page - it's pretty brief, and seems a bit conflated by Indu being a kid "from the moon" (literally) and we all know how middle-schoolers behave toward kids who are different, so just FYI for younger readers who might not expect it.
I had this on my radar because it matched a Paperbacks n Frybread "Decolonize Your Bookshelf" prompt - MG novel with a queer MC - and then bumped it up to read during the Trans Rights Readathon. Out in May, so get your pre-orders in now!
The artwork is BEAUTIFUL, with such lush colorwork (and one panel that I would swear is a direct call back to the Little Prince, I see you there). Indu, having been found on a moon and adopted by a mom on a spaceship, is used to the little community on the ship. But when his mom gets married and they move to New Earth, Indu is very much the odd one out, as the "Lunar Boy." He doesn't understand the language well (he has passive fluency of Chinese Indonesian, but doesn't speak or read it), his classmates are standoffish, and he feels like he's losing touch with his mom. All those little problems of being about 11 or 12 are just magnified. But he starts to find friends within the local queer community - facilitated by his language tutor, Aminah, who is AMAZING, LOVE HER - and learn about the rich history of his culture. And even has a little baby romance with his penpal by the end of the book, so sweet.
Just a little bit of a content warning that there is a bit of queerphobia shown by some of Indu's classmates on page - it's pretty brief, and seems a bit conflated by Indu being a kid "from the moon" (literally) and we all know how middle-schoolers behave toward kids who are different, so just FYI for younger readers who might not expect it.
July 12, 2024
One day, an astronaut finds a child alone on a moon and adopts him. They live together happily on a spaceship for a long time, but then Mom gets married, and Indu has to get used to living on solid ground, attending school, bumping into strangers, getting to know his new family, and learning a whole new language and culture. All these external changes would be hard enough, but Indu is also navigating the complexities of being trans in a culture that is still brimming with misunderstandings. He realizes life would be easier if he'd just stayed alone on the moon, but when the time comes to decide if he'd really rather go back, the decision is a bit harder than it first appeared.
I have some reservations about a sentient moon and a child-like figure representing ... something? Otherwise, though, I think this book is brilliant. The artwork is magnificent. The variety of genders and relationships depicted help make this book feel welcoming. The world building is a lot of fun too, offering fun ideas about what it would be like to live on a planet with only tiny islands instead of continents and what it would look like to inhabit a spaceship full-time. The family dynamics are thoughtful, and the understanding about how to help someone without resorting to pity is eye-opening. There are a lot of good things, and if I were just a little less confused about the moon, I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone.
I have some reservations about a sentient moon and a child-like figure representing ... something? Otherwise, though, I think this book is brilliant. The artwork is magnificent. The variety of genders and relationships depicted help make this book feel welcoming. The world building is a lot of fun too, offering fun ideas about what it would be like to live on a planet with only tiny islands instead of continents and what it would look like to inhabit a spaceship full-time. The family dynamics are thoughtful, and the understanding about how to help someone without resorting to pity is eye-opening. There are a lot of good things, and if I were just a little less confused about the moon, I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone.
October 15, 2024
Lunar Boy follows Indu, a child found on the surface of the moon as he navigates transness, the language barriers and culture of his new home, and his relationships to family, friends, and community. Change is a significant theme throughout this book. It is a concept explored through many lenses, with much love, making the ending of this book a comfort for anyone going through a time of change. The message of this book is one I really need to internalize and hold dear.
The art was absolutely gorgeous, particularly the coloring and detail. And the world-building brought the story to life in a way that has me wishing there were even more stories to hear from New Earth! I loved the use of a mix of Indonesian and English, and the way the story was woven around these languages. I learned what passive fluency is, and how to work with it.
On the whole, a very cute story that brings levity and comfort to the process of change.
The art was absolutely gorgeous, particularly the coloring and detail. And the world-building brought the story to life in a way that has me wishing there were even more stories to hear from New Earth! I loved the use of a mix of Indonesian and English, and the way the story was woven around these languages. I learned what passive fluency is, and how to work with it.
On the whole, a very cute story that brings levity and comfort to the process of change.
June 24, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVED this. I just want to pick Indu up and snuggle him and take all his bad feelings away. This was so darn precious. I enjoyed the South-Asian spin on a new planet. Space and back stories are so often whitewashed, that I was excited for the world to be so unfamiliar to me. It was great to learn how queer and trans identities fit into other cultures.
This book is a great entry-point to trans belonging and recognizing that the right way to do something isn't always the 'right' way. It always depends on personal context and how the other party feels comfortable. It's a great example of how you can be as well meaning as possible and still hurt someone. You should never assume to know or understand a person without speaking to them. Also that talking helps!!!! We need to make time for one another and meet others where they're comfortable. Be flexible and willing to listen.
This book is a great entry-point to trans belonging and recognizing that the right way to do something isn't always the 'right' way. It always depends on personal context and how the other party feels comfortable. It's a great example of how you can be as well meaning as possible and still hurt someone. You should never assume to know or understand a person without speaking to them. Also that talking helps!!!! We need to make time for one another and meet others where they're comfortable. Be flexible and willing to listen.
Read
July 28, 2024Haven't really been in a reading mood lately, but this graphic novel required so much of my brain power that it quieted the swirly thoughts and let me read.
(And by that I mean that even though LUNAR BOY is a middle grade, I had to be an active reader in order to keep track of all the languages being spoken, the new vocabulary presented, and the rules of space/New Earth. When I looked at the author bios and saw that the authors are Chinese-Indonesian third-culture kids, everything made a LOT of sense.)
🌙 TLDR; if you have a kid in your life who likes speculative queer & trans books, this one has lovely lovely rep and a sweet story.
And if you're an adult who was obsessed with The Little Prince at any point, you'll dig the references 😘.
(And by that I mean that even though LUNAR BOY is a middle grade, I had to be an active reader in order to keep track of all the languages being spoken, the new vocabulary presented, and the rules of space/New Earth. When I looked at the author bios and saw that the authors are Chinese-Indonesian third-culture kids, everything made a LOT of sense.)
🌙 TLDR; if you have a kid in your life who likes speculative queer & trans books, this one has lovely lovely rep and a sweet story.
And if you're an adult who was obsessed with The Little Prince at any point, you'll dig the references 😘.
June 26, 2024
This standalone, coming of age graphic novel revolves around a trans boy trying to find his place in the world when he moves to a new city. This would be a great novel for teens trying to figure out their gender/ sexual identity, as it includes trans, pansexual, and aromantic characters all coming to terms with their sexuality. My favorite thing was the art; it was very bright and colorful and I loved the style the characters were drawn in.
June 19, 2024
Jeg vakler lidt mellem 3 og 4 stjerner, men for nu tror jeg, den ender på 3. Den var virkelig fin, men af en eller anden grund forelskede jeg mig bare ikke så meget i den, som jeg havde håbet. Men jeg kommer helt klart til at genlæse den en dag.
March 3, 2024
Beautiful, vibrant, and tender. It was just what my heart and soul needed.
June 28, 2024
UGH this was just as good as I thought it was going to be!!!
This was a beautiful story about how terrifying, lonely and amazing change can be. Definitely a book I wish I had when I was younger 🥹
This was a beautiful story about how terrifying, lonely and amazing change can be. Definitely a book I wish I had when I was younger 🥹
July 23, 2024
this was so lovely
August 18, 2024
This was such a cute story about change, family, and queer identities. Interesting to see different parts of Indonesia culture, even if it's set in a science fiction world.
October 20, 2024
Absolutely delightful!
November 6, 2024
this hit me in my heart. i cried so much.
xx
͜ಥʖ̯ಥ ༉‧₊˚♡
xx
͜ಥʖ̯ಥ ༉‧₊˚♡
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews