The Stars Beneath Our Feet

Black History Month

Staff recommendations, guest essays, and curated reading lists.

"The right story at the right time. . . . It's not just a narrative; it's an experience. It's the novel we've 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 brother's death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity.

His path isn't clear — and 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 escape — and an unexpected bridge back to the world.

David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge — of adolescence, of grief, of violence — and shows how Lolly's inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors. 

"Magnificent." Shelf Awareness (Starred Review)

"Debut author Moore delivers a realistic and at times brutal portrait of life for young people of color who are living on the edge of poverty. At the same time, Moore infuses the story with hope and aspiration, giving Lolly the chance to find salvation through creativity." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"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 Award Winner for As Brave As You

"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 haven't heard the last of his brilliance." Jacqueline Woodson, Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning of Brown Girl Dreaming

David Barclay Moore was born and raised in Missouri. After studying creative writing at Iowa State University, film at Howard University in Washington, DC, and language studies at l'Université de Montpellier in France, David moved to New York City, where he has served as communications coordinator for Geoffrey Canada's Harlem Children's Zone and communications manager for Quality Services for the Autism Community. He has received grants from the Ford Foundation, the Jerome Foundation, Yaddo, and the Wellspring Foundation. He was also a semi-finalist for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. David now lives, works, and explores in Brooklyn, NY. You can follow him online at DavidBarclayMoore.com, on Twitter at @dbarclaymoore, and on Instagram at @dbarclaymoore.