From the author of the critically acclaimed Under a Painted Sky, an unforgettable story of determination set against a backdrop of devastating tragedy. Perfect for fans of Code Name Verity.
Winner of the PEN Center USA Literary Award for Young Adult
Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
San Francisco, 1906: Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty of Chinatown, and an education at St. Clare’s School for Girls is her best hope. Although St. Clare’s is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls, Mercy gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part. Not to be undone by a bunch of spoiled heiresses, Mercy stands strong—until disaster strikes.
On April 18, a historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy’s home and school. Now she’s forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment. Though fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, Mercy can’t sit by while they wait for the army to bring help—she still has the “bossy” cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. But what can one teenage girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city?
Stacey Lee masterfully crafts another remarkable novel set against a unique historical backdrop. Strong-willed Mercy Wong leads a cast of diverse characters in this extraordinary tale of survival.
Friendship! Earthquakes! And a magical cow! Oh my! Okay, so maybe the cow wasn't magical, but Outrun the Moon was certainly a delightful read! I loved Mercy Wong from the very first chapter with her floating away in wayward hot air balloon. She a 15 year old girl with ambitions. She grew up in Chinatown and her education ended after 8th grade, so she's determined to get into the St. Clare's School for Girls (on scholarship, of course!) and then start her own business to take care of her family. I would say "easier said than done," but Mercy has a way about her.
Outrun the Moon has so many great things about it! Mercy is just a wonderful narrator. She tells things like it is and doesn't sugarcoat. If she sees racism, she points it out. If she sees someone being kind to their fellow human, she points it out. Although she her attempts at acting like a Chinese heiress are cringeworthy and hilarious. There's also friendship! Despite the odds, Mercy makes friends with her classmates and even gets the Headmistress to warm up to her. Earthquake and fires! This was an amazing time in history, and I loved seeing it from this angle of people from different backgrounds coming together in order to survive and thrive. And the magical cow, obviously.
Outrun the Moon also made me laugh several times and cry once. There are so many amazing oneliners that had me smiling or cracking up. And none of them felt forced. Mercy is just funny and awesome. The crying wasn't for anything sad, even though there are sad parts. I cried from happiness of friendship! I do that sometimes. I couldn't help it. It was just so cute. So yes, a book about a super destructive incident is very happy-making.
You must read Outrun the Moon if you like bold heroines, friendship, the healing power of food, San Francisco, and magical cows!
