Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Bibliographic Information:

Peters, J. A. (2004). Luna. New York, NY: Little Brown and Company.
ISBN# 0316011274

Plot Summary:
Regan lives with her parents and her older brother Liam, er sister Luna. Liam has always felt that he was a girl born in a boy’s body. Their mother is addicted to prescription medication and spends most of her time selling real estate. Their father lost his job and is having a difficult time. Liam is a proper boy during the day, but at night let’s himself be herself and becomes Luna. She wakes up Regan to get her opinion on Luna’s latest outfit and/or makeup. Liam/Luna consumes so much of Regan’s time and thoughts that when Chris asks Regan out, the problem of Liam/Luna gets in the way. More problems occur when Liam decides to go public as Luna. Regan tries talking him out of it, but she is determined. How will their long-time friend Aly react? How will their parents take the news? What will happen when Luna arrives at school?

Critical Evaluation:
This is a remarkable story about a young woman born in a boy’s body. Peters does a wonderful job describing how the characters feel. The heartache Liam feels as he leaves the house in his pants, shirt and tie compared to the joy she experiences in her beautiful dress and make up is palpable. Regan’s almost love/hate feelings for her sibling are equally well described. Peters’ descriptions are heart wrenching. This reader was almost in tears at times while reading. Teens, especially those struggling with their identity, will be able to relate to Liam/Luna. They may find solace in knowing that someone else feels similarly. Reading about Luna’s choices and actions may enable them to make their own choices. Even teens who are not questioning their identity will be able to identify with Liam and Regan. Most teens at one time or another feel that they are not living up to their parents’ expectations, Liam and Regan don’t. Liam is not the macho, football player that his father wants him to be. Regan doesn’t want to do domestic activities like her mother feels she should. This book will open every reader’s eyes. Hopefully by reading this book readers will be more tolerant of others and less judgmental.

Reader's Annotation:
Regan protects her transgendered brother Liam as he becomes Luna at night to the detriment of her own social life. What will happen when Luna wants to come out to their parents, their school and their community and make the gender change permanent?

Information about the author:
Peters was born January 16, 1952 in Jamestown, New York, but moved just outside Denver, Colorado when she was five. She has a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in French. During college she spend one year in Geneva as an exchange student. After college she taught fifth grade for a year. It did not go well; Peters was fired. She went back to school and earned a BS in Computer and Management Science. For ten years she worked “as a research analyst, computer programmer, and systems engineer” and continued school obtaining her Masters in Business and Computer Science. This career didn’t pan out either, but luckily for us writing did. Peters has written 16 novels. She lives with her partner in Colorado.
http://julieannepeters.com/files/JPBio.htm

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts; Sociology

Booktalking Ideas:
• Explain the complex relationship between Regan and Liam/Luna.
• What childhood events bring Liam’s identity into question?
• Describe Luna’s attempts at going out in public.
• Explain Aly’s feelings toward Liam and Luna.
• Compare their parents.
o How do they compare to the stereotypical parents?
o How do they react to Luna?
• How do you think things turn out for Luna? Why?

A teacher’s guide can be found at http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/_assets/books/educatorguides/LunaTG.pdf

Reading Level/Interest Level:
The widest age range, according to the reviews, is 13 – 18, though I would recommend it for older high school students.

Challenge Issues:
Transgender issues; self mutilation; prescription drug abuse; language


If the book is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire novel.
• Show positive reviews of the novel.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the book:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
o Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
 Positive reviews
 Selection policy
 Reconsideration policy

Selection Process: This book was required reading.

Nine positive reviews

Awards/ Best Books Lists:
• Appears on eight Best Books Lists
• Appears on six state/provincial reading lists
• Has received five awards

Reading/Interest level, selection process information, reviews, and Awards/Best Books Lists were accessed using the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database at http://clcd.odyssi.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~KpXI09:1 accessed through SJSU and not available to everyone.