How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe
on Goodreads (4,772)
What’s inside...
A romance starring a Mexican American teen, Moon Fuentez, who discovers love and profound truths about the universe when she spends her summer on a road trip across the country as a 'merch girl' for a tour bus of influencers. Facing her struggles with self-worth, Moon is forced to confront her feelings when she is bunked with her nemesis, the handsome yet grumpy Santiago Phillips. As they continuously cross paths, Moon begins to question whether her initial perceptions and misgivings about Santiago, as well as her own self-image, are as accurate as she once believed. This summer journey might just alter the course of her life in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
448 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Moon learned about herself and the world around her throughout her journey?
How do Moon's relationships with different characters influence her view of the universe?
What role do you think art and beauty play in Moon's self-discovery and healing?
In what ways did Moon’s perception of love change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why is it important to understand and appreciate different perspectives, as shown through Moon's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child how they felt about Moon’s character and her journey, allowing them to express their initial reactions to the story.
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with Moon’s, discussing similarities and differences, to create a personal connection with the narrative.
Discuss the significance of family and relationships portrayed in the book, prompting your child to reflect on their own relationships and interactions.
Explore themes of self-esteem and self-expression by asking your child what they think about Moon’s artistic outlets and how they personally express themselves.
Focus on the transformative power of love and friendship in the book, asking your child to think about how love and support can lead to personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance and self-worth
Explanation: Moon Fuentez’s journey in the book showcases her struggles with self-image and familial acceptance, leading her to discover her own worth and embrace who she is.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and understand that their value doesn't stem from others' opinions but from their own self-acknowledgment and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between characters, especially between Moon and her sister, the story teaches the value of empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards friends and peers with different backgrounds and experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Moon faces multiple challenges, including complicated family dynamics and personal insecurities. Her resilience in overcoming these issues highlights the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to navigate their own struggles with determination and courage, understanding that obstacles are a part of life but can be surmounted with effort and resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of forgiveness
Explanation: Forgiveness is a theme explored through the reconciliation and understanding between characters, promoting healing and positive relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see the value in forgiving others as a way to resolve conflicts and move forward in relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature and the universe
Explanation: As the title suggests, the beauty and vastness of the universe play a crucial role in Moon's narrative, fostering a sense of wonder and connection with the cosmos.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate the natural world around them, promoting curiosity and a lifelong love for learning about the universe and its mysteries.