Outrun The Moon

Published By Speak
May 24, 2016 | Young Adult Historical Fiction
ISBN 9780147516916

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl comes an unforgettable story of determination set against a backdrop of devastating tragedy, perfect for fans of Code Name Verity.

Winner of the PEN Center USA Literary Award for Young Adult
Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

“Immersive and riveting. Mercy Wong had my heart from page one.”

“A fantastic read! Emotional, entertaining, and bewitching as it brings to life San Francisco in 1906.”

“Mercy’s narrative is flecked with witty puns, pithy wisdom from her fortune-telling mother, aphorisms from her favorite business book, and her obsession with bad-luck number four, all of which provide meaningful insight into both her character and her culture. While slipping in plenty of meaty historical context, particularly about the discrimination facing Chinese immigrants at the time, Lee tells a resoundingly warmhearted story about community arising amidst earth-shattering disaster.”

“Mercy is a splendid narrator; her grit and humor makes the steady flow of racism she encounters even more jarring. Historical fiction fans are in for a real treat.”

“Lee brings an awareness of a (perhaps) lesser known time, place, and immigration issue. Mercy has one adventure after another; dramatic situations that she creates by leaping right into action. Despite her impulsiveness, Mercy is a very believable heroine who is sure to inspire readers to keep following their dreams.”

“[A]n original exploration of a time and place not often depicted in historical fiction.”

“Stacey Lee is an incredible voice in historical fiction, but she may have outdone even herself in her recent Outrun the Moon.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Full of beautiful turns of phrase, lessons in Chinese customs and superstitions, and a refreshing protagonist representing intersectional diversity, this is a must-read for followers of historical fiction… powerful, evocative, and thought-provoking.”

School Library Journal

“Lee creates characters full of depth and nuance that seem historically accurate but still relatable to today’s teens… A diverse, engaging historical fiction that should not be missed.”

Awards, Honors & Praise

2017 PEN Center Literary Award in Young Adult Fiction
2016-2017 Asian Pacific American Librarians Association Award for Young Adult Literature
Cooperative Children’s Book Center’s CCBC Choices list for 2017
YALSA’s 2017 Best Fiction for Young Adults
New York Public Library’s 50 Best Teen Reads of 2016
2017 Amelia Bloomer List – Young Adult Fiction
Junior Library Guild Spring 2016 Selection
2016 Nerdie Award for YA Fiction by The Nerdy Book Club
2016 EpicReads Shimmy Award “Blast From The Past”
Nominated for 2017 Colorado Blue Spruce Award
Oregon Battle of the Books Selection

An Educator's Guide For Outrun The Moon

The activities in this guide align with Common Core State Standards and fit into the curriculum for Grades 7 and up.

A Discussion Guide to the Works of Stacey Lee

Discussion questions for all of Stacey Lee’s historical fiction from Penguin Random House.

Earthquake: The Chinatown Story

San Francisco Chinatown was a bustling neighborhood with many businesses, temples, and associations. When the 1906 Earthquake hit the city, it destroyed large parts of the city. Fires completely decimated Chinatown, leaving the neighborhood in ashes and its citizens fleeing to neighbor districts and cities. The Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) has created an exhibit “Earthquake: The Chinatown Story” that details firsthand accounts from the people who lived there, how the city had been planning to remove Chinatown, and how the Chinese fought back.