
on Oct. 4, 2016
Genres: Magical Realism
Pages: 288
IndieBound|B&N
Goodreads
When the Moon Was Ours follows two characters through a story that has multicultural elements and magical realism, but also has central LGBT themes—a transgender boy, the best friend he’s falling in love with, and both of them deciding how they want to define themselves.
To everyone who knows them, best friends Miel and Sam are as strange as they are inseparable. Roses grow out of Miel’s wrist, and rumors say that she spilled out of a water tower when she was five. Sam is known for the moons he paints and hangs in the trees, and for how little anyone knows about his life before he and his mother moved to town.
But as odd as everyone considers Miel and Sam, even they stay away from the Bonner girls, four beautiful sisters rumored to be witches. Now they want the roses that grow from Miel’s skin, convinced that their scent can make anyone fall in love. And they’re willing to use every secret Miel has fought to protect to make sure she gives them up.

Reading diverse YA books with Lucy and Kristan (and Kristina from Gone Pecan when she was part of the YA Diversity Book Club) has been one of the highlights of my reading life these past two years, and it’s with a lot of sadness that I bid farewell to Kristan as she steps back from the YADBC for new adventures. Lucy and I will continue with our monthly reads, but we’re taking a little summer sabbatical from the feature to spend with our children and, of course, reading books. Thanks to all of you who’ve read any of the books we’ve highlighted. Don’t forget to enter our 3-book anniversary giveaway!
Read about the other two books we’re giving away at The Reading Date (YADBC 2nd Anniversary Giveaway and Summer Reading Suggestions) and We Heart YA (“2 Years of YADBC! Let’s All Read Diversely”).
Want to Read More Diverse Books? Enter our Anniversary Giveaway:
Enter to win three YA Fall 2016 pre-order books. Prizing provided by the YADBC members. Giveaway open to US residents age 13 and up. Fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter.
That book cover is so gorgeous! When the Moon Was Ours is definitely high on my reading list. It’s been a blast reading with you this year, Sandie 🙂