Joyous & Moonbeam (Richard Yaxley, Scholastic)

This is a story about two unlikely friends whose names offer an insight into their characters. Readers are introduced to Joyous in his own simple language; a tragic childhood accident, which killed his father, has left Joyous with a mental disability. He is a gentle soul who, it is revealed, is bullied by his stepfather. Joyous’ newfound friend Moonbeam is full of teenage confusion as she struggles to understand the conflict that is threatening to pull her family apart. Moonbeam’s parents have lost their unborn son—a tragedy that has left them bereft and heading for divorce. With Joyous’ knack for figuring out life’s peculiarities, he sends his friend on a rite of passage. This is a gentle, moving story, which draws on the same uplifting themes of Richard Yaxley’s award-winning book Drink the Air. My only criticism is that it left me wanting more, curious to discover the reasons behind some of the characters’ behaviours, and unsettled by the seeming hopelessness of Moonbeam’s parents’ relationship. Joyous & Moonbeam will appeal to young adults aged 12 and up, particularly to girls.

Jen Murnaghan is a children’s bookseller at Fullers Bookshop in Hobart

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Category: Reviews