Stargazing

The novel shows how forming an identity is especially challenging for children caught between tradition and modernity. Born to immigrant parents with high expectations, Christine often feels like she has to meet their standards and does not have room to find out who she is. When Moon comes into the picture, this all begins to change. Moon and her mother are so different from the type of people that Christine is used to. Christine marvels at the way that Moon seems so confident and self-assured, and spends as much time with her as possible.

Wang suggests that exposing oneself to someone different can be inspiring. By interacting with Moon, Christine learns a great deal about herself. She finds out that she can dance, that she enjoys painting her toenails, and that she has the confidence and strength to perform in front of her school.

When Moon’s actions reveal her tendency toward violence, Christine is challenged to see past them to the person beneath, propelling her growth as a person. She also grows by facing Moon’s illness. Christine acts out of fear when Moon is diagnosed with a brain tumor, avoiding her and the hospital. After a supportive talk with her father, Christine finds that she feels brave enough to admit her guilt, apologize, and confront the reality of Moon’s tumor.