Moon at Nine

Moon at Nine follows fifteen-year-old Farrin, a student in 1980s Iran during the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution. In school, she meets Sadira, a new student who shares her passion for writing and literature. Their friendship deepens against the backdrop of a repressive regime where women face strict limitations on behavior and expression. The girls must navigate family expectations, political tensions, and the dangers that come with any deviation from societal norms. The story chronicles their struggle to maintain their connection in a time when such relationships could lead to severe consequences. Events unfold in Tehran amid bombing raids, school politics, and the watchful eyes of the Revolutionary Guard. Based on real events, this young adult novel examines themes of identity, courage, and the cost of being true to oneself in a society that demands conformity. The narrative provides context for understanding both personal freedom and systemic oppression through the lens of two young women.

Readers note the book's authentic portrayal of LGBTQ persecution in 1980s Iran and commend Ellis's research into the real events that inspired the story. Many appreciate how the narrative highlights human rights issues while remaining age-appropriate for young adult readers. Likes: - Strong character development of protagonist Farrin - Educational value about Iranian history and culture - Effective handling of difficult subject matter Dislikes: - Abrupt ending that leaves questions unanswered - Some found the pacing uneven, particularly in the first third - A few readers felt the writing style was too simple Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (40+ ratings) Several reviewers mentioned crying while reading the final chapters. Multiple teachers reported successfully using the book in middle school classrooms to discuss human rights and acceptance. Some parents cautioned the book may be too intense for readers under 13.

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🌙 Author Deborah Ellis based this novel on the true story of a young woman she met in Iran who shared her experiences of persecution due to her sexuality. 📚 The book is set in 1988 Iran during the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq War, a period of intense social and political upheaval. ⚖️ In Iran during the time period of the book (and still today), same-sex relationships were punishable by death under Islamic law. 🎤 Deborah Ellis has donated more than $2 million from her book royalties to various causes, including women's organizations in Afghanistan and other humanitarian projects. 🏆 "Moon at Nine" was shortlisted for the 2015 Ontario Library Association Red Maple Award and received a Stonewall Honor from the American Library Association.