Synopses & Reviews
The Witch Boy meets Stargazing in Lunar Boy, a debut middle grade graphic novel by twin creators Jes and Cin Wibowo, which follows the story of Indu, a young trans boy from the moon, who deals with the culture shock, familial struggle, and first crushes that come with living on Earth in this touching coming-of-age story.
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?
Review
"A radiant palette of warm, sun-drenched pinks and oranges underscore the vibrant community of care and support that envelop Indu. Reminiscent of Le Petit Prince, this lustrous debut graphic novel signals a much brighter future for its protagonist and those who relate to him." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Review
"[A] heartwarming story whose protagonist finds understanding with friends, family, and a broader community." -Horn Book Magazine
Review
"This heartwarming story about found family and finding yourself is an immersive and refreshing shift from traditional science fiction." -School Library Journal (starred review)
About the Author
Jes and Cin Wibowo are Chinese Indonesian twins born in Jakarta. As Third Culture Kids, they spent their early childhood years moving back and forth between the US and Indonesia. The two both graduated with a BFA and eventually an MFA in sequential arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. They're currently based in Jakarta, eating comfort food and being perpetually culture-shocked wherever they go.