Moonlight and Dust (Jasmin McGaughey, A&U Children’s)

Jasmin McGaughey’s debut YA fantasy Moonlight and Dust is set in Cairns and follows 16-year-old Zillah, a responsible Torres Strait Islander who always thinks before she acts – unlike her impulsive sister, Nik. After a tragic accident leaves Nik in a coma, Zillah enrols at Nik’s old school where she quickly discovers Nik led a life she knows nothing about. At school, Zillah befriends Nik’s best friend, Artie, along with two Islander girls, Casey and Lilli. Determined to shed her ‘boring sister’ image, Zillah agrees to take part in a mysterious school initiation and is drawn into the secret world of Craigmont High parties. That’s when the magic begins – literally. Told from Zillah’s perspective, Moonlight and Dust blends magical elements with contemporary teenage life. The emotional weight of Zillah’s hopes, fears and questions creates an authentic and heartfelt coming-of-age story, draws readers in and makes the story impossible to put down. A YA novel by a Torres Strait Islander about a Torres Strait Islander, McGaughey honours Islander culture with depth and care. English is interspersed with Yumplatok – derived from Kulkalgau Ya, a central island dialect of Kala Lagaw Ya, and McGaughey’s evocative prose brings the tropical setting to life. By the final page, you’ll be craving a sugar pancake and salty plums. Moonlight and Dust is an intriguing, fast-paced read full of magic, mystery and thrilling young love, perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Lili Wilkinson and Cassandra Clare.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Ana Brawls is a librarian, reviewer and emerging writer originally from Brazil. Her work has been published in Australia and abroad. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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