From School Library Journal Gr 9 Up—The daughter of wealthy Iranian parents, 15-year-old Farrin earns top scores at a prestigious school in 1988 Tehran. Her parents remain loyal to the ousted Shah, so Farrin knows the importance of keeping a low profile. One day, Farrin meets a new classmate, Sadira, who plays forbidden music on a prohibited instrument in a closet at school. Farrin and Sadira become fast friends who enjoy subversive literature and music despite the tough restrictions imposed by the Iranian government. Before long, Farrin and Sadira's friendship morphs into a romantic relationship, for which both girls could face death. Set during the reign of Ayatollah Khomeini, this title is based on real women who fell in love in a country where homosexuality is still against the law. Sparse and eloquently written, this short historical novel is both beautiful and heartbreaking. The subject matter and writing style will appeal most to older teens and adults who likely have a better understanding of the political history of Iran. Sadira and Farrin's relationship is believable, as is the girls' undying determination to stay together at all costs. While sexuality is important to the plot, the book is relatively tame, containing no profanity and nothing beyond hand-holding and a few kisses. A four-page Author's Note provides necessary historical background and insight into worldwide persecution of homosexuals today. Give this to fans of Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns (Riverhead, 2007) or Latifa's My Forbidden Face (Miramax, 2002).—Leigh Collazo, Ed Willkie Middle School, Fort Worth, TX Read more From Booklist Fifteen-year-old Iranian Farrin lives with secrets. It is 1988, and Farrin’s wealthy parents are conspiring to install the Shah’s son to the throne. That is their secret; hers is even more dangerous. She is in love with Sadira, the new girl in school, who returns her feelings even though homosexuality is regarded as a crime punishable by death in Iran. When the Revolutionary Guard discovers them together, the girls are taken to prison and threatened with execution. How can they possibly survive? Though based on a true story, Ellis’ version of it sometimes feels a bit melodramatic. Still, it is inarguably powerful, and readers will identify with the two star-crossed girls who are victims of what seems to be an inhumane government. In an appended author’s note, Ellis chillingly reports that more than 4,000 lesbian and gay Iranians have been executed since 1979. A book study guide is included and will help encourage much needed discussion. Grades 7-10. --Michael Cart Read more Review About Moon at Nine 2015 Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award nominee 2015 Amelia Bloomer Project List selection 2015 Bank Street Best Book selection 2015 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice 2015 Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award shortlist 2015–2016 BC Teen Readers' Choice Stellar Award nominee 2015 SYRCA Snow Willow Award nominee 2016 MYRCA nominee 2014 Quill & Quire Book of the Year selection 2014 OLA Best Bet selection 2014 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection STARRED REVIEW "Moon at Nine is a riveting tale of young girls being true to themselves and their love, set against a political and cultural backdrop few readers will have first-hand knowledge of. Ellis once again proves she is a master storyteller. Readers will remember Farrin and Sadira long after the final page has been read".―Quill & Quire Starred Review by Ken Setteringon, author of the Stonewall Honor Book Branded by the Pink Triangle "Ellis skillfully introduces readers to the social and political backdrop, showing in troubling detail how fear, suspicion, and historical animosities fragment Farrin's world and limit her freedom....Secondary characters provide fascinating windows into other perspectives and call attention to Iran's heterogeneity, creating a multidimensional portrait of corruption and cruelty, resistance and compassion."―The Horn Book Magazine "Sparse and eloquently-written, this short historical novel is both beautiful and heartbreaking."―School Library Journal "A firm grounding in Iranian history, along with the insight and empathy Ellis brings to the pain of those whose love is decreed to be immoral and unnatural, make this a smart, heartbreaking [novel.]"―Publishers Weekly "[I]narguably powerful...A book study guide is included and will help encourage much needed discussion."―Booklist "[T]he portrait painted of 1980s Iran's political climate―and in particular the situation of gay and lesbian people and political prisoners―is haunting."―Kirkus Reviews "In this riveting love story based on true events, Deborah Ellis transports readers to Iran in 1988 just nine years after the Islamic Revolution...Readers will find this powerful book both compelling and chilling."―Dragon Lode International Books "[A]n accessible text which can be enjoyed by a variety of readers due to its simple writing style. The author's note describing the history of Iran is especially useful to those unfamiliar with this history and the subject matter of the novel is one that not only encourages individual research, but also fills a large gap in cultural LGBTQ literature."―Resource Links "This is a thought-provoking story inviting readers to ponder the interplay of cultural, moral, and sexual issues in different countries around the globe."―International Reading Association, Reading Today Online "As more and more states strike down anti-gay marriage laws, Moon at Nine is a chilling reminder of the suffering of too many others...its importance is hard to deny."―BookDragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center "Moon at Nine is the romantic adventure tale longed for by queer teenagers prowling the school library for stories that more closely resemble their own."―Plenitude Magazine "Deborah Ellis manages to avoid stepping on cultural taboos through rigorous research and editing, and her story hits on universal themes such as family secrets, friendships, relationships and coming-of-age...more than simply an LGTBQ novel or historical fiction...a multi-faceted hybrid that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults...It is powerfully grounded in the setting of Tehran, and depicts the beauty of falling in love and the cruelty and coldness of power in the hands of outside forces."―Ottawa Review of Books "True to form, Deborah Ellis has crafted a stark, riveting and uncompromising account of life in a country and era that is markedly different from our own...Its heartbreaking and unflinching honestly will both engage readers and create heightened awareness."―Canadian Children's Book News "Basing her book on a true story, Ellis has written a heartbreaking tale of prejudice and injustice...Highly Recommended."―CM Magazine "[A] deftly crafted work of fiction...An extraordinary and original novel..."―Midwest Book Review "Moon at Nine is a tense and riveting YA novel."―The International Educator "A story that illuminates, astounds and perhaps will grow empathy for other cultures and sexualities."―49th Shelf "Moon at Nine is quite frankly one of the most powerful love stories I have ever read...With a backdrop of an almost post-war Iran, Farrin and Sadira are vibrant and inspiring characters consciously deciding to live in the moment by clinging to each other in the face of great opposition. Ellis' writing is passionate and informative, creating a realistic and frightening picture of Iran's reaction to homosexuality."―Amy's Marathon of Books "Ten years have passed since the Shah was overthrown in Iran, and Farrin, 15, struggles against the oppressive rule of politics, teachers, and her family's anti-revolutionary secrets. But her budding clandestine romance with Sadira threatens her security most of all; homosexuality is punishable by death. This novel for teens at their formative age exposes the persecution gay lovers face worldwide today."―Skipping Stones Magazine "Multi award-winning author Deborah Ellis excels in creating stories of determination in the face of adversity and social injustice. Here, she presents us with a sensitive and passionate tale based on the true life experiences...Beautifully told..."―Quick Brown Fox "Heart-stirring, believable, and ultimately heartbreaking, this is a must-read."―Youth Services Book Review Read more About the Author Known around the world for her Breadwinner series, author and humanitarian Deborah Ellis has written nearly thirty books for children and young people, most of which explore themes of courage and social justice. Deborah's many awards include the Governor General's Award, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the Vicky Metcalf Award, the American Library Association's Notable List, and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Deborah lives in Simcoe, Ontario. Read more
