The Stars Beneath Our Feet

"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.

** WINNER OF THE CORETTA SCOTT KING€“JOHN STEPTOE AWARD FOR NEW TALENT! **

MICHAEL B. JORDAN TO DIRECT MOVIE ADAPTATION!

SIX STARRED REVIEWS!

It€s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren€t celebrating. They€re still reeling from his older brother€s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly€s mother€s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly€s 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 isn€t clear€"and the pressure to join a €œcrew,€ 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.
 
MORE PRAISE FOR THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET:
A New York Times Notable Book
A Time Top 10 Children's Books of the Year
A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of the Year
A Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of the Year
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick
An ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book

€œA 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

€œThe 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