All Four Quarters of the Moon by Marr, Shirley.
This book was chosen for the Notables list in the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year Awards 2023 – Younger Readers (7-12) category.
A big-hearted story of love and resilience, starring sisters and storytellers Peijing and Biju, a lost family finding their way, a Little World made of paper, a Jade Rabbit, and the ever-changing but constant 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. Ma Ma is no longer herself; Ah Ma keeps forgetting who she is; and Ba Ba, who used to work seven days a week, is adjusting to being a hands-on dad. How will Peijing cope with the uncertainties of her own little world while shouldering the burden of everyone else? And if Peijing’s family are the four quarters of the mooncake, where does she fit in?
Shirley Marr is the writer of the award-winning story A Glasshouse of Stars which won the CBCA Book of the Year for Young Readers in 2022 and her latest book All Four Quarters of the Moon, has been listed as a Notable in the same category for 2023.
Marr who lives here in Perth, is influenced by her own story as a first-generation Chinese Australian who arrived in Australia via Christmas Island in the 1980’s. Shirley Marr describes herself as having a “Western mind with an Eastern heart” and this shines through beautifully in the writing of All Four Quarters of the Moon.
All Four Quarters of the Moon is a realistic, gentle and hopeful multi-layered narrative that celebrates the themes of honour, tradition, mental health, family, identity and friendship. It is filled with rich characters and thought-provoking themes, that teach the reader important lessons about culture, heritage, and the strength of love.
‘Pearls don’t lie on the shore. If you want one, you have to dive for it.’
The story follows the Guo family who move from Singapore to Australia and is told from the perspective of eleven-year-old Peijing. Peijing is caught between two worlds, her old life in Singapore full of family and traditions and her new life in Australia where she is learning to adapt to a new way of living. She is helping Ma Ma (mother) who needs more time to adapt to the changes of a new country and culture, worrying about Ah Ma (grandmother) who is acting strangely and forever guiding and watching over her spirited little sister, Biju who has big dreams. Peijing has dreams of her own too, but will she find the courage and strength to follow them?
‘You cannot prevent the bird of sorrow flying over your head, but you can prevent it building a nest in your hair.’
Peijing is not alone though, Ah Ma still shares her ancient wisdom and Ba Ba (father) takes on a new role in the family, doing his best to make everyone happy even if that means making hard choices. Ba Ba’s attempts at western cooking also bring laughter and light heartedness to the story. Peijing finds a new friend Joanna, who despite having her own struggles offers friendship to Peijing and through their friendship the girls find courage they didn’t know they had. Each character has a unique personality that will make you feel like you are part of their world. The reader discovers the many challenges faced by the characters and how they overcome them with courage and determination. The writing is lyrical with a hint of magic, especially in the sisters’ secret ‘Little World’ made completely of paper, where they find comfort and courage to blend their two worlds.
The story is divided into four parts, just like the different phases of the moon. Each part reveals new secrets and surprises, keeping you hooked and eager to find out what happens next. I loved the use of Chinese mythology with each chapter starting with Biju retelling a traditional story that she has learnt from Ah Ma.
‘The world – your parents included – will always tell you to be the best version of yourself. I think that is wrong! What we all should be is our favourite versions of ourselves.’
This is a beautiful story about learning to maintain connection to traditions and heritage while discovering new traditions and dreams. It is an ode to sisters, friendship, love and family. It lets readers know that they are not alone in trying to find their place in the world, and that we can all find a way to fit in while being true to ourselves with the help of family and friends.
Recommended for children 9+ All Four Quarters of the Moon is a beautiful middle grade story. This book is perfect for those who love stories about friendship, family and adventure. It is a meaningful story that will leave you feeling inspired and grateful for the people you have in your life.
Both titles are available to borrow from the Cockburn Libraries.
