Stars Beneath Our Feet, The, Moore, David Barclay

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
MICHAEL B. JORDAN TO DIRECT MOVIE ADAPTATION
SIX STARRED REVIEWS

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 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 Lollys inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors.

MORE PRAISE FOR THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET

A New York Times Notable Book
A Time Magazine Top 10 Childrens Books of the Year
A Boston Globe Best Childrens Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year