THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET, by David Barclay Moore

The story: Ever since his brother Jermaine was killed, Lolly Rachpaul has had a weight in his heart. He's sad, he doesn't know how to move on, and worst of all the gang guys now want HIM to join up. It's only when he starts building a gigantic Lego complex, and makes a new friend, that he realizes he needs to--and can--see things in a new way. But will that be enough to help his best friend Vega make a good choice too?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content PG (two moms); adult themes (gang-related violence, dealing with autism) PG-13; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: Lolly's growth as a character, through his friendship with autistic Rose and through their shared love of Legos and architecture, is the real standout in this story. A good fit for those not quite ready for Jason Reynolds's YA stories.