The Stars Beneath Our Feet

A Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year
A YALSA Quick Pick
An ALA Notable Book

“Moore tells Lolly’s story of survival with the right mix of humor and hope to balance violence, fear, denial and deprivation. That’s a tall order. To succeed is a celebration. The power of adults as influencers and confidants, nurturing by words, deeds and acts of kindness large and small, fuels every page of this novel. It’s a book in which art is celebrated, being different is an act of resistance, and acceptance, not resignation, is the answer.” —The New York Times

“This well-honed debut novel paints a vivid picture of Lolly and the choices that he must make, but beyond that, it introduces a cast of memorable, fully realized characters, each of whom will stay with readers long beyond the closing page.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Readers will marvel at the grandeur of what Lolly and Rose are able to build and learn together and will find comfort in the intimacy of Lolly’s introspective narration.” —Bulletin, starred review

“A debut that serves as a powerful instructive for writing from and reading the intersections—125th Street-size intersections for all readers to enjoy.” —Kirkus Reviews, 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

“Moore’s work with the Harlem Children’s Zone and Quality Services for the Autism Community serve him well in creating this debut, slice-of-life narrative with an authentic adolescent voice and strong adult supports, all of whom are true to their urban world.” —VOYA, starred review

“Magnificent.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

“Realistic problems and vivid depictions of family and city life make this middle-grade debut stand out.” —Booklist

David Barclay Moore is the winner of the Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent for The Stars Beneath Our Feet.

David was born and raised in Missouri. After studying creative writing at Iowa State University, film at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and language studies at l’Universite de Montpellier in France, David moved to New York City, where he has worked in film, journalism, and communications.

David now divides his time between Brooklyn, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and St. Louis, MO.

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