num_pages: 304
description: A boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brothers death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity.Its Christmas Eve in Harlem but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom arent celebrating. Theyre still reeling from his older brothers death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lollys mothers girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lollys always loved Legos and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions Lolly must find his own way forward. His path isnt clearand the pressure to join a crew as his brother did is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escapeand an unexpected bridge back to the world. David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edgeof adolescence of grief of violenceand shows how Lollys inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors.
language: English
title: The Stars Beneath Our Feet
publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers