Medieval China and 1931 Chinatown echo each other in The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Van Glaser (published 2025). Both of the child protagonists face financial struggles and a challenge of their own, and their related stories nicely complement each other. Chinese culture and traditions are a unique part of their lives, likewise bringing a nice parallel between the ancient and the modern. Chrysanthemum tea, steamed buns, and art (including poetry) are explored in both eras.
Han Yu’s story takes him along the ancient trade routes throughout China in order to save his family from poverty, even as the family battles a contagious sickness. Luli’s story is about her parent’s American dream of owning their property, although the increasingly difficult situation of the Great Depression significantly limits their means. Han Yu cooks steamed buns along the route in order to fund his journey. Luli finds her own way to use steamed buns to support her family. Han Yu faces shocking difficulties but finds he is protected by an invisible tiger mirage as well as, most importantly, a new friend. Luli too finds support from her friends, most of whom also have families struggling given the era.
There are nice coincidences in the book, yet even with the ties between the eras, the satisfying characters and the plot draw me into the two children’s stories. I loved the artistic touch in both eras. The characters in Luli’s school are distinct and memorable. Han Yu’s discoveries along the trail with his friend are lovely as the Chinese scenery is described and illustrated through poetry. The stories show that even in the midst of hard trials, the human spirit can transcend, especially with a friend by their side.
It helps that this is finally a novel featuring the Silk Roads! I’ve looked in vain for a solid middle grade novel about the dangerous journey through the desert. It will go wonderfully with my “Marco Polo Silk Roads game.”
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli is well worth a 2026 Newbery Honor ranking.
