The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people-one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown-on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.

“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” -Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits

In ancient Chang'An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.

In New York's Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents' restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.

Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang'An and financial crisis threatens Luli's family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world-and into danger-filled adventure-to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser's epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.

“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I've read in a long time.” -James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

1146705070
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people-one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown-on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.

“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” -Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits

In ancient Chang'An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.

In New York's Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents' restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.

Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang'An and financial crisis threatens Luli's family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world-and into danger-filled adventure-to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser's epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.

“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I've read in a long time.” -James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

27.99 In Stock
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

by Karina Yan Glaser

Narrated by Sura Siu, Brian Nishii

Unabridged — 10 hours, 0 minutes

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

by Karina Yan Glaser

Narrated by Sura Siu, Brian Nishii

Unabridged — 10 hours, 0 minutes

Audiobook (Digital)

$27.99
FREE With a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime
$0.00

Free with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime

START FREE TRIAL

Already Subscribed? 

Sign in to Your BN.com Account


Listen on the free Barnes & Noble NOOK app


Related collections and offers

FREE

with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription

Or Pay $27.99

Overview

Breathtaking suspense, unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of two young people-one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown-on perilous journeys to save their families. An instant classic from the beloved and bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series.

“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” -Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits

In ancient Chang'An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers.

In New York's Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents' restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art.

Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang'An and financial crisis threatens Luli's family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world-and into danger-filled adventure-to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser's epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.

“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply dazzling and the best book I've read in a long time.” -James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.


Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Unforgettable and absolutely magical, Han Yu and Luli bring the unfamiliar into our hearts and show us how the ordinary and everyday are full of wonder. An enthralling, enchanting, enlightening read.” — Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author of A Long Walk to Water 

“To make this beautiful book: Knead two family heroes, a scrap of silk, and a pinch of magic tiger in a bowl. Cut the tension with a knife, then roll into chapters. Place a heaping teaspoon of friendship, poetry, and adventure in the center, and pleat into a bao. Put characters over hot water and steam for nine months, then serve and savoir immediately.” — Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee

“This masterful book is a major gem. I absolutely loved it.” — Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honoree and bestselling author of A Rover’s Story

“The work of a virtuoso, this is quite simply DAZZLING and the best book I’ve read in a long time.” — James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies 

“A page turner that is at once epic and intimate. This is a must read!” — Lisa Yee, New York Times bestselling author of The Misfits

“Connecting two brave heroes across time and space, Karina Yan Glaser has woven a shimmering treasure of a tale.” — Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honoree and author of The Last Mapmaker 

“Thrilling, heartwarming adventures highlight commonalities that span centuries.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Absorbing. Polished prose renders the characters’ treacherous quests, throughout which the protagonists encounter both wayward strangers and lifelong friends, making for an endearing tribute to bravery and friendship.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“With short, punchy chapters that end on cliffhangers, this historical fiction is hard to put down. Teachers will appreciate it as an entry point into learning about Chinese history, the Great Depression, and Chinese art and poetry, while kids will love the friendships and high stakes (art thieves! tigers! bandits!). It’s my favorite middle grade novel of the year!” — Book Riot (Five Stars)

“Though separated in time and place, [Han Yu and Luli's stories are] told in a realistic manner with an occasional hint of magic. The main characters emerge as heroes in this engaging narrative, which encompasses their interconnected family stories. Memorable."  — Booklist (starred review)

“A crowd-pleasing pick that will make a winning family read-aloud." — Washington Post

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2025-06-13
A boy in China in 731 C.E. and a girl in New York in 1931 face separate hardships and adventures but are connected by common threads.

Eleven-year-old Han Yu lives a simple life in Chang’An. He’s seen as unusual because of the various animals that are drawn to him—even a tiger, which has earned him the nickname “Tiger Boy.” But Han Yu enjoys ordinary activities, like making steamed buns to sell with his father at the busy market. Eleven-year-old Luli Lee has a modest and happy Depression-era existence in New York City’s Chinatown. She’s been helping her immigrant parents run their restaurant in the building they’re saving up to buy. But disaster strikes both children’s lives: Members of Han Yu’s family contract a mysterious, deadly respiratory illness, and Luli’s family business and home are at risk of foreclosure. Both young people summon their courage, creativity, and determination as they go on adventures to help their families. As two exciting parallel stories of family, friendship, and community unfold, they bravely confront a variety of challenges, supported by loyal animal companions. While their storylines are distinct, they’re connected through cultural elements that reverberate through their historical eras. The alternating third-person chapters following Han Yu’s and Luli’s story arcs are strongly paced and highly suspenseful. Detailed descriptions make this a vibrant love letter to Chinese culture, food, history, poetry, and art. Final art not seen.

Thrilling, heartwarming adventures highlight commonalities that span centuries. (maps, author’s note, bibliography)(Historical fiction. 8-12)

Product Details

BN ID: 2940194516209
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 09/16/2025
Edition description: Unabridged
Age Range: 8 - 11 Years
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews