The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli
Coming September 16, 2025
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.
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.
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Advance Praise:
“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
“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
“Full of tenderness and magic!” — Theresa Phung, Yu & Me Books (New York, NY)
“Karina has achieved an especially amazing level of literary sorcery.” — Chris Abouzeid, Belmont Books (Belmont, MA)
“I don't think I have ever encountered a middle grade novel that I knew from the first paragraph I was going to be reading something special. And, after finishing, I fully understood that what I had just read wasn't an ordinary book, but truly, a masterpiece. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli is such a smart and gentle but powerful story filled with the brilliance of Karina Glaser. This is a book that will be treasured by both children and adults and will be read and reread throughout the years.” — Marilyn Robbins, The Bookies (Denver, CO)
“Shines with heart and determination.” — Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus (Nashville, TN)
“Han Yu and Luli Lee are main characters readers of all ages will love, and the people and animals on their journeys are unforgettable. Their connected stories across centuries confront devastating hardships with courage and community. Nourish your soul with this wonderful novel about art, dim sum, risk, and perseverance.” — Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Compay (Seattle, WA)
“Foods, cherished family heirlooms, and shared stories are both connections to the past and pathways forward. Han Yu and Luli's lives are separated by more than 1,000 years yet connected by steamed buns, a scrap of silk, and a timeless poem. The interconnected stories of these two brave, clever, devoted family heroes also features a mysterious tiger, and is quite the historical fiction page turner that is the perfect read for fans of Alan Gratz and Grace Lin.” — Angie Tally, Country Bookshop (Southern Pines, NC)
“A beautiful tale.” — Aerie Brown, Blue Willow Books (Houston, TX)