When the Moon Was Ours

By Anna-Marie McLemore,

Book cover of When the Moon Was Ours

Book description

From the author of The Weight of Feathers comes a young adult novel about a girl hiding the truth, a boy with secrets from his past, and four sisters who could ruin them both.

Recipient of a Stonewall Honor and longlisted for the National Book Award, McLemore delivers a second…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked When the Moon Was Ours as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

McLemore’s prose is basically poetry, and this YA novel is a gorgeous combination of magical realism and Latine folklore. It is a modern fairy tale about forbidden romance, poisonous jealousy, family secrets, and the power of truth.

I fell in love with the lush atmosphere, complex characters, and exquisite storytelling. This one stayed with me for a long time after I’d closed the book. 

From D.L.'s list on fantasy by Latine authors.

Honestly, I could’ve picked any book by McLemore. They are all absolutely stunning. McLemore’s prose is lush and poetic, rich in metaphor and nuance. Their stories have a timeless quality about them at once grounding them in reality and yet offering glimpses of the surreal and ephemeral. When the Moon Was Ours is an incredibly poignant love story between Sam, a Pakistani trans boy, and Latinx Miel who has literal roses growing out of her wrists. This story provided insight into both Pakistani and Latinx culture while weaving a breath-taking tale of love and identity.

From Xan's list on trans and non-binary characters.

Want books like When the Moon Was Ours?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like When the Moon Was Ours.

Browse books like When the Moon Was Ours

Book cover of Mexican Gothic
Book cover of The Black Tides of Heaven
Book cover of Finna

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in secrets, witches, and gender variance?

Secrets 272 books
Witches 143 books
Gender Variance 21 books