Creating Beauty

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is another 2024 high school Nutmeg nominee.

Moon and her twin sister Star couldn’t be more different. Star is a beautiful social media sensation, and she is their mother’s pet. Meanwhile, Moon works behind the scenes as her sister’s assistant. She is overweight, and constantly berated by their mother. The only thing they have in common is a family curse.

Moon is forced to set out on a social media tour with Star as a merchandise salesperson. She will try to make the best of the trip by focusing on her passion- photography and flowers. She immediately butts heads with the head social media guy’s attractive brother Santiago.

During the trip, she is forced to confront her insecurities and abusive upbringing. Her dynamic with her sister is also tested. Through this she begins to develop real feelings for Santiago, who is also battling his own insecurities. Moon learns to love and trust herself.

This is not a book I would typically pick up. But it covers a lot of important topics, such as abuse, depression and suicide. Most importantly it addresses how to nurture positive relationships, learn acceptance and to trust in one’s passions/talents.