All Four Quarters of the Moon

LoveReading4Kids Says

Tender and true-to-life, Shirley Marr’s All Four Quarters of the Moon tells an honest, authentic story of an eleven-year-old’s struggles, fears, bravery and hopes when her family move to Australia. Perfectly-pitched for pre-teen readers who are beginning to question the world, but still occupy childhood territory, this tremendously engaging account of migrant experiences radiates the magic of sisterly bonds and friendship.

A sense of change and the shifting sands of childhood are perfectly expressed in the opening pages when Peijing wonders “why adults would tell others not to do a thing and do it themselves.” This astute thought pops into her head on the eve of her family’s move to Australia, where a new home, new school and new language await.

On starting school, Peijing’s “greatest fear was that she would not fit in, that she would be picked on for looking different”. At the same time, her little sister is struggling with a new language, and Peijing steps in several times as a supportive, reassuring, confidence-boosting sister.

She also makes friends with Joanna, a fellow outsider with a difficult home life that marks her out as being different.

Peijing’s navigation of all this change, including worrying about her elderly grandma, is beautifully tackled, and her story is a captivating, stirring joy.

Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen is a writer, reviewer and workshop presenter whose lifelong love of books began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
More reviews by Joanne Owen

About All Four Quarters of the Moon

Making mooncakes with Ah Ma for the Mid-Autumn Festival was the last day of Peijing's old life. Now, adapting to their new life in Australia, Peijing thinks everything will turn out okay for her family as long as they have each other - but cracks are starting to appear. Her little sister, Biju, needs Peijing to be the dependable big sister.

Read the full description

Find This Book In