The stars beneath our feet /, 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 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 Childrens Book of the Year
A Shelf Awareness Best Childrens Book of the Year
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick
An ALA-ALSC Notable Childrens Book