Book Review: The Moon and Stars | R. Calhoun Sargent & Thelonious Fix
Genre: Coming of Age/Juvenile Fiction
Reviewer: Elijah B.
Young love can still be real love
The Moon and Stars/Dakota Rising stars our very own Dakota “Dak” Dagger, A Sioux/Greek teenager born on the Greek Island of Santorini was brought over to the United States at the ripe age of seven years old due to the death of his parents, with his grandparents to raise him in their stead.
We join Dak in his 3rd year at Corona Junior High, a popular student at school. He is a second semester school president, star quarterback of the flag football team, captain of the basketball team, a member of the dance band, and a milk monitor (humorously called “Mr. La leche).
Dak has the affections of his female peers as well as the envy of his male peers due to his charm-filled personality. However, his charm is put to the test when he meets Olivia, the new girl at school. Olivia is the daughter of an Air Force Officer. She is determined to keep her distance from Dak due to her father’s career uprooting her life.
Naturally, the two become friends and a relationship forms between them. However, Dak’s past and Olivia’s nomadic family life looming over their heads, their relationship is a rocky one with twists and turns that threaten to break them apart.
My only complaint is that Dak is a bit of a Mary Sue, he’s a little too perfect. He’s captain of the football and basketball team and student president. Not to mention, all the girls adore him. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this feel good story.
The Moon and Stars draws you into its world this coming of age story that manages the characters personal losses, triumphs, and young love with care.
I give The Moon and Stars 4 shooting stars out of a rating 5
-Elijah B