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Julie Anne Peters
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Luna (National Book Award Finalist) Kindle Edition

by Julie Anne Peters (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 531 ratings
A groundbreaking novel about a transgender teen, selected as a National Book Award Finalist.

Regan's brother Liam can't stand the person he is during the day. Like the moon from whom Liam has chosen his female name, his true self, Luna, only reveals herself at night. In the secrecy of his basement bedroom, Liam transforms into the beautiful girl he longs to be, with help from his sister's clothes and makeup. Now, everything is about to change: Luna is preparing to emerge from her cocoon. But are Liam's family and friends ready to welcome Luna into their lives?

Compelling and thought-provoking, this is an unforgettable novel about a transgender teen's struggle for self-identity and acceptance.
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  4. Publication date
    September 15, 2008
  5. Reading age
    15 years and up
  6. Grade level
    10 and up
  7. File size
    965 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Luna
Pretend You Love Me
She Loves You, She Loves You Not
grl2grl
Lies My Girlfriend Told Me
By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars 531
4.1 out of 5 stars 72
4.6 out of 5 stars 98
4.1 out of 5 stars 40
4.5 out of 5 stars 251
4.4 out of 5 stars 644
Price $11.15 $11.75 $4.06 $8.39 $9.97 $7.61
More poignant and powerful novels for teens from National Book Award finalist Julie Anne Peters An award-winning, poignant novel about a transgender teens struggle for self-identity and acceptance. A heartbreaking yet hopeful novel about falling in love with someone even when you know they can't love you back. When Alyssa is forced to leave her girlfriend and everything she knows, can she build a new life for herself and believe in love again? A stunning collection of short stories spotlighting young women as they navigate relationships and issues of identity. When Alix's girlfriend dies suddenly, Alix discovers that the person she thought she knew was leading a double-life. A raw, heartfelt, and important story about one girl's struggle with suicide and her family's fight to help her survive.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-"Yeah, I loved her. I couldn't help it. She was my brother." Regan has always been there for her transgender brother, Liam, sacrificing her needs for his, but when he announces that he is ready to "transition" into Luna permanently, Regan is not sure she can handle the consequences. She has been his confidant all her life, letting Luna dress in her room, buying underwear for her when Liam couldn't, and giving support. However, when the attractive new guy in chemistry class shows an interest in Regan, she wishes her sibling would just go away and give her a chance to live her own life. Liam realizes that in order for his sister to be free, he, too, must free himself to become the woman who lives inside him. Told from Regan's point of view in the present and in flashback, this novel breaks new ground in YA literature with a sensitive and poignant portrayal of a young man's determination to live his true identity and his family's struggle to accept Luna for who she really is.
Betty S. Evans, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 8-12. Peters tells two stories in this groundbreaking novel--one about Regan, and the other about Liam, Regan's transgender brother, who is the son his father expects by day but a young woman, Luna, by night. Fiercely protective of Liam/Luna, Regan has put her life on hold; she worries about her brother's female self being discovered and the family's reaction, and she fears that her brother may someday give in to despair. While Regan wonders if she will ever be able to have a life separate from the needs of her sibling, Liam seriously begins to consider a permanent change. Peters isn't putting forward a political agenda here. Rather, she's bringing the circumstances surrounding a difficult situation to light, and her sensitively drawn characters realistically encompass a wide range of reactions--from tentative acceptance by a best friend to Mom's feigned ignorance and Dad's total disbelief. The subject matter and occasional rough language will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows, but this book belongs in most YA collections. Cindy Welch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000SEOGSU
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Library Binding edition (September 15, 2008)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 15, 2008
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 965 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 531 ratings

About the author

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Julie Anne Peters

Julie Anne Peters

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For the last 20+ years, I've been writing books for young readers. My YA novel, Luna, the story of a transgender teen beginning her transition from male to female, was a National Book Award finalist and an American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults. (Thank you award committee members.) My other books about gender queer youth include Keeping You a Secret, Far from Xanadu (retitled, Pretend You Love Me), Between Mom and Jo, grl2grl: short fictions, Rage: A Love Story, She Loves You, She Loves You Not..., It's Our Prom (So Deal With It), and my newest book scheduled for 2014, The Double Life of Swanee Durbin. Also check out my book about bullycide, By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead.

I'm a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, PEN America, the Authors Guild, and the Colorado Authors' League. I live with my partner, Sherri Leggett, in Lakewood, Colorado. (We're celebrating our 38th anniversary this year.

More information about me and my books can be found on my Web site: www.JulieAnnePeters.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
531 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book beautifully written and emotionally engaging, with one review noting it provides a compassionate look at a family. Moreover, the book receives praise for its insightful approach to sensitive topics and its portrayal of transgender youth, with one customer describing it as a complete 101 guide. Additionally, customers appreciate the author's understanding of teenage thought processes and find it fast-paced, making it a great read for teens.

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26 customers mention "Emotional content"26 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, which takes readers through a range of feelings, with one customer noting it provides a compassionate look at a family.

"...this book had me so emotionally involved and sympathetic, not just towards Regan and Liam (or Luna), but to everyone involved...." Read more

"Luna is a gem of a book, very unique in character and style. The book outlines the life of a boy who knows he is really a girl in a boy's body...." Read more

"...The sister character is almost unreal though, probably because I have never meet anyone with siblings who went as far as Regan's willingness to set..." Read more

"...There are no words to describe the joy, the pain, the rightness I felt after reading this. I can honestly say I will not forget this book." Read more

17 customers mention "Writing style"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as beautifully written and a nice simple read.

"...The same exact thing as me." the writing was clear and concise, with some really great moments of dialogue...." Read more

"Luna is a gem of a book, very unique in character and style. The book outlines the life of a boy who knows he is really a girl in a boy's body...." Read more

"...It's beautiful and painful from the first word, the first letter...." Read more

"...A fast-reading, light narrative easy enough to read in one sitting on over a weekend...." Read more

16 customers mention "Insight"16 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's profound insights and ability to make complex explanations accessible, with one customer noting the author's thorough research.

"...The same exact thing as me." the writing was clear and concise, with some really great moments of dialogue...." Read more

"...The story starts out slow and the flash back gives enough information of the mom's character and hints of how Luna has always been there...." Read more

"Luna is a rare treat, insightful and provocative, it takes a circumspect look at a topic most books barrel into head on...." Read more

"...Luna is ground-breaking, helps shed light on important causes and provides a story for anyone out there who identifies, or has someone in their life..." Read more

15 customers mention "Transgender content"12 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of transgender youth, with one customer noting it provides a complete 101 introduction to the topic, while another highlights its clear explanation of the difference between transsexuals and homosexuals.

"...It does a good job explaining the difference between transsexuals and homosexuals...." Read more

"...book for teens (targeted for 15 and older) who need a healthy introduction to transgender. It is fiction. It is also educational...." Read more

"...is a rare gem that shows the pain but also the incredible humanity of the transgender experience...." Read more

"...characters is what brought the rating down for me – they felt too much of a caricature...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, particularly for teens, with one customer noting that the author effectively captures how teenagers think, and another mentioning it's a coming-of-age story.

"...In addition, the story moves along well. The reader has no time to get bored or complacent...." Read more

"...She was my brother!" Here is a wonderful book for teens (targeted for 15 and older) who need a healthy introduction to transgender...." Read more

"Great book for understanding trans youth." Read more

"...The author understands how teenagers think really well - I really felt like I knew the main characters by the end of the book...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, describing it as fast-reading, with one customer noting its pitch-perfect timing.

"...with pitch-perfect pacing and writing, this is a book that will stay with me for a very long time...." Read more

"...The story starts out slow and the flash back gives enough information of the mom's character and hints of how Luna has always been there...." Read more

"...A fast-reading, light narrative easy enough to read in one sitting on over a weekend...." Read more

"...Well written, well paced, a wonderful book." Read more

3 customers mention "Feel"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one describing it as strongly felt and cemented with love, while another finds it riveting.

"...The siblings relationship is bound by fear and cemented with love...." Read more

"...Strongly felt, sincere, with understanding and compassion even for those characters who can't wrap their mind around the reality of transgender,..." Read more

"...Raw and riveting!" Read more

That I paid for a new book and it is damaged
1 out of 5 stars
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I bought new and huge corner of back cover is getting ready to fall off.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • lisa ortiz
    5.0 out of 5 stars one of my favorite YA books of all time
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    holy wow! this book was amazing! get ready for my gushing, because nothing less will do. Luna confronts head on the issues of growing up as a transgender teen, through the eyes of a sibling. with pitch-perfect pacing and writing, this is a book that will stay with me for a very long time.

    Regan is a girl that is just trying to find herself, but is constantly overwhelmed with her brother Liam's secret identity of Luna, the girl within him. not only does she live in his shadow of his academic brilliance, she also has to hide his secret. every night, he comes to her room and transforms into Luna, the beautiful girl he's always known he was. the beauty of the story is so simple - in their own ways, they both just want to find and become themselves.

    "Who was I? I didn't even know.

    I knew Luna better than I knew myself. I knew what she wanted - acceptance, love. The same exact thing as me."

    the writing was clear and concise, with some really great moments of dialogue. at times funny, and others gut-wrenchingly sad, this covered the emotional spectrum for me. and with Regan as our narrator, we were slowly exposed to the issues of growing up transgender, which really made the entire story more palpable than if it had been told from Liam's point of view. the whole thing was just brilliant, really.

    as a YA book, i was so impressed with Peter's ability to tackle expectations of identity and gender in such an approachable manner. utilizing the expectations of parents and friends, we see the struggle of both Regan and Liam as they find themselves. this book had me so emotionally involved and sympathetic, not just towards Regan and Liam (or Luna), but to everyone involved. and to me, that's a good book!

    "The gender scales didn't extend equidistant in both directions. For example, if you were a girl you could be off-the-scale feminine and that'd be fine, but if you acted or felt just a little too masculine, you were a dyke.

    Same for guys. Mucho macho, fine. Soft and gentle, fag."

    i would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. it was excellent.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jon Linden
    5.0 out of 5 stars Metamorphosis - Excellent, Extraordinary, Exemplary
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2005
    Verified Purchase
    Luna is a gem of a book, very unique in character and style. The book outlines the life of a boy who knows he is really a girl in a boy's body. He is a Transgender. And to be even more poignant, the story is told from the perspective of his sister, who is 2 years younger.

    Julie Anne Peters goes to just the right lengths to accurately describe both the emotional and environmental situations. Some of her most eloquent statements are made with regard to the manner in which Liam/Luna's transmogrification, transition, metamorphosis affects those around him/her as much as it affects him/her and sometimes even more. The one who truly empathizes and suffers the pain almost as much as Liam/Luna is his sister Regan. She is Liam/Luna's confidant, his/her enabler, and his/her instrument to the realization of his dream. Despite all this good, Regan suffers most terribly with the knowledge of her brother's suffering.

    The writing technique that the author uses is particularly fascinating. She does some most effective flashback sequences that are truly artistic. In addition, she is quite adept at writing the text and the subtext (what is going on in the character's mind and how it differs from what comes out of their mouth) that her paragraphs are like little sparkling emeralds in a field of rock and dirt.

    In addition, the story moves along well. The reader has no time to get bored or complacent. And the messages departed along the way show all too well, how society makes life very difficult; not just for the normal, but also for the extremes, and not in any rational proportion. Just as life plays itself out; sometimes advantageously, but more of the time, unfairly. As we all know, life is not FAIR, but sometimes we surely wish it were.

    This book is highly recommended for all people interested in cross gender relations and in the phenomenon of Transexuality. It does a good job explaining the difference between transsexuals and homosexuals. And it does it in a manner that is very intimate and not objectionable. It truly is a mirror on today's society and should be viewed as such.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Alex
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    When I bought the book I had already read numerous glowing reviews of it and quite a lot of people recommended this book to me. The thing I love most about this book, is that you don't have to be a teenager to understand it. But especially if you're a GLBT person, you'll relate better to the main character's feeling of loneliness, depression and wanting to be free. The story starts out slow and the flash back gives enough information of the mom's character and hints of how Luna has always been there. The sister character is almost unreal though, probably because I have never meet anyone with siblings who went as far as Regan's willingness to set her sister free. In the end, I thought that it's a great encouragement story for transgendered kids out there who struggles in their everyday lives to conceal their truth, who wears mask and living in a foreign body, who long for acceptance starting from people close to them and maybe eventually, the world at large. I will definitely tell my straight friends to read this. Never hurts to broaden your horizon by reading a good book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Alyssa Butler
    5.0 out of 5 stars It reminded me so much of me.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I’m a trans woman myself, so I can relate to Luna’s story. I know familial betrayal. I have had my “friends” turn on me. I know what’s it’s like to be afraid to step outside your door afraid of the horrors that await. You just have to stand your ground. It’s never easy, but going that extra day just proves that you are getting stronger each and everyday. This book was amazing, and I heavily recommend it.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Alex
    5.0 out of 5 stars Einfühlsam und liebevoll
    Reviewed in Germany on November 22, 2006
    Verified Purchase
    Luna, heißt eigentlich Liam und nur seine jüngere Schwester Regan weis von seinem „Doppelleben“. Tagsüber ist Liam eher zurückgezogen und schüchtern; hoch intelligent und ein Genie in Sachen PC Hard- und Software... Doch jeden Abend - wenn es außer Regan keiner mitbekommt - verwandelt sich Liam in Luna. Dass Mädchen, das er schon immer sein wollte... Doch auch irgendwann ist für ihn die Zeit gekommen, endlich mehr zu wagen und sich seinem Leben und Schicksal zu stellen. Doch dies ist in einer konservativen, amerikanischen Kleinstadt alles andere als einfach... Seine Schwester Regan wird (und ist) seine intimste Verbündete. Doch auch sie hat ein eignes Leben; welches sie für Liam/Luna jahrelang zurückstecken musste. Doch dann beginnt Luna langsam den „sichtbaren Übergang zu wagen“ (wie sie es selbst nennt). Aber die Probleme werden dadurch - insbesondere im Elternhaus der beiden - zuerst nur verschlimmert...

    Julie Anne Peters Roman “Luna“ ist eine fiktive Geschichte. Allerdings stand sie für ihre Recherche im engen Kontakt mit Angehörigen des “Gender Identity Centers“ in Denver/USA... Und genau dass merkt man dem Buch auch von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite an: Julie Anne Peters hat mit “Luna“ alles andere als einen „billigen und schlüpfrigen Groschenroman“ geschrieben, der lediglich die Triebe haltloser Voyeure bedienen soll.

    “Luna“ ist eine Geschichte, wie sie authentischer und gefühlvoller nicht sein könnte. Jeder einzelne Protagonist hat seine eigenen Charakterzüge, Genesis und Probleme mit sich zu tragen... Aber auch gibt es viele aufhellende Momente an Situationskomik, bei denen man sich einfach nur krümmen kann vor lachen. Allerdings lacht man in diesem Momenten nie jemanden aus - sondern, man lacht zusammen mit den Menschen in diesem Buch und dieser Geschichte.

    Die Personen um und mit Luna/Liam wachsen einem schnell ans Herz. Aber auch berühren einem die sensibel in Worte gefassten Alltagsprobleme eines Menschen, der weis, das „irgendetwas so nicht mehr weitergehen kann mit ihm“. Hinzu gesellen sich neben Problemen im sozialen Umfeld, auch interne Probleme mit der Familie (den Eltern) von Liam/Luna und Regan... Gängeleien und mangelndes Einfühlungsvermögen erschweren den Sprößlingen des Hauses ihre wahre Rolle im Leben zu finden. Bis es dann allerdings doch unweigerlich zum „großen Knall“ kommt, der eine Rückkehr (sowie das weitere Ignorieren und Vergessen) unmöglich macht...

    “Luna“ hat mich persönlich sehr berührt und begeistert. Nicht nur die Identifikationsmöglichkeiten mit den jeweiligen Menschen dort ist sehr gut; sondern auch die (großteilige) Vermeidung von Klischees und dumpfen Plattheiten, die leider viel zu oft in solchen „Lebensberichten“ anzutreffen sind. Liam/Luna ist ein Mensch, der lernt wie schwer es ist, im Leben auf eigenen Beinen zu stehen. Und zugleich am eigenen Leibe miterleben muss, einer Gesellschaft gegenüber zu stehen, die einem leider nicht immer positiv und tolerant gesinnt ist.

    Die gewählte Sprachform von Autorin Julie Anne Peters ist modern und süffisant. Aber auch immer bildhaft, passend und voller Liebe zu ihren jeweils erzählten Darstellern gewählt.

    Ehrlich gesagt, war ich schon merklich traurig, als ich das Buch zu Ende gelesen hatte. Dies lang und liegt eben auch daran, dass man wirklich (wie bereits schon erwähnt) eine feste Bindung zu den Personen Liam/Luna und Regan im laufe der fortschreitenden Handlung eingeht. Beide (und nicht nur sie), sind als Menschen gezeichnet worden, die Gefühle und Verstand haben. Aber auch haben beide ihre Fehler, Macken und Eigenheiten... Und gerade dies macht “Luna“ in meinen Augen so wertvoll: Es ist eine Erzählung über Menschen. Von einem Menschen geschrieben, der mit viel Herz, Verstand und offenen Augen durch das Leben geht...

    Für mich persönlich ist “Luna“ dass beste Buch des Jahres 2006. Vielen Dank an Julie Anne Peters, für eine wundervolle Geschichte. Die das Leben wohl auch nicht besser schreiben könnte.
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  • The Critic
    5.0 out of 5 stars I liked this perspective of someone going through transition from the ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    As an author myself, I liked this perspective of someone going through transition from the viewpoint of a sibling. The compulsion in Luna combined with the sympathy of her sister, who never fully understands why luna is so driven, rang very true. The dysfunction poor Luna causes within the family kept me reading into the night. Thoroughly enjoyable.
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  • Entre Les Livres
    5.0 out of 5 stars Si vous ne deviez lire qu'un seul livre sur l'identité transgenre...
    Reviewed in France on September 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Superbe livre, que chaque personne qui souhaite en apprendre plus sur le sujet ou mieux comprendre devrait lire. En fait, tout le monde devrait le lire. Très réaliste et touchant.
    Report
  • Nivi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on December 10, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent book worth of cost perfectly packed up by Amazon.. Keep rocking
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  • Friot Clara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!
    Reviewed in France on January 2, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    So good! A friend lent it to me but I couldn't resist reading it again and putting it on my own shelf.
    A beautiful story that's cleverly told from the sister's point of view and makes the reader comfortable.
    Report

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