Four girls. One moon. A friendship that will last a lifetime.
Tell It To The Moon is the second book in the Moonlight Dreamers series by Siobhan Curham. It follows the life of four teenage girls—Amber, Maali, Sky and Rose—all dealing with their own life crises of different magnitudes. They call themselves the Moonlight Dreamers.
Although I haven’t read the first book, it isn’t hard to follow what the four protagonists went through to band them together so strongly. The book will resonate with many teenagers not only because of the theme of “not fitting in” but also because of the difference in each of the characters.
Amber is uncertain about her life’s direction after her surrogate mother refuses her invitation to meet her. Although her gay dads have warned her about it, it is still a rejection that hurts her to the core.
Maali, who is a big believer of her culture’s gods and goddesses, and prays every day, is dealing with her father’s illness, scared that it is far worse than they imagine. It makes her question her religion and faith in her gods so much so that she stops praying.
Although Rose is an atheist, she still appreciates Maali’s faith and their bond is firm even though they come from different family and cultural backgrounds. She too, is going through a hard time; adjusting to life after finally admitting to herself that she is gay, she is struggling with her feelings towards an unrequited crush as well as dealing with her narcissistic celebrity parents and their reaction to her sexuality.
Sky, who was previously home-schooled by her widowed father, is struggling to adapt to her new school and the education system. She wants desperately to return to being home schooled but her father needs to go back to work and so she has no choice but stay in school.
One might think that, given the diversity of each character’s personality and backgrounds, they wouldn’t have the kind of friendship they have. But it happens, now more than ever. The way each character relates to each other is believable and authentic—they go through misunderstandings (some caused by boys, but not always) and personal trials. But each time they go through something—whether horrible or great—they always seek out the Moonlight Dreamers to share that burden or happiness with.
It is refreshing to find a book that celebrates not only diversity, but also acceptance. The main theme of the book, and probably the series, is that it doesn’t matter if you are different. Accept who you are and you will find people who will love you for being you. It is a theme that is so important for today’s youth.
Tell It To The Moon also deals with various societal issues like racism, bullying, the rising issue of teen anxiety and the holes in the education system. Still, the book doesn’t preach, which gives it a much better chance of reaching the minds it wants to reach – the youth.
Overall, Tell It To The Moon is an inspiring tale of friendship that teen girls today should read. It is exciting to see what the Moonlight Dreamers will be up to next.
Kristyn M. Levis is a freelance writer, author and photographer based in Sydney. She is currently the managing editor of Her Collective. Her first novel, The Girl Between Two Worlds, was published in 2016. Book two is set for release next year.