Zadie Ma and the Dog who Chased the Moon by Gabrielle Wang

Zadie Ma really wants a dog of her own. She has a magical ability - when she writes a story it sometimes comes true. Zadie writes a story about a stray dog called Jupiter. Yes, she does find and rescue him but owning a dog is not straightforward. Her mother has forbidden Zadie to have a dog. The new family who live over the back fence have lots of pets of all shapes and sizes. The girl in the new family is named Eleanor Elspeth Eaglemont but she prefers to be called Sparrow. Sparrow is happy to look after Jupiter until Zadie can convince her mother to change her mind. 

Interspersed through the book we read short stories penned by Zadie.

Publisher blurb: Zadie Ma has a special talent for telling stories . . . and it seems that some of Zadie’s stories come true. Zadie’s dearest wish is to have a dog of her own and so she starts to write the story of a poor unwanted dog called Jupiter, who’s just waiting to be rescued by a loving girl like Zadie. One morning when she’s supposed to be minding the family shop for her mother, Zadie sets off to look for Jupiter. The scene that unfolds isn’t quite the same as in her story but she does find a real dog, and his name is Jupiter. Once Zadie has rescued him, she realises she can’t just take Jupiter home because her mother won’t let her keep a dog. Luckily her bold new friend Sparrow lets Zadie keep Jupiter at her house till Zadie can work things out. But a series of unlucky events means that Zadie can’t write the happy ending she dreams of for her story, and now she may lose her beloved Jupiter forever. Can Zadie’s most important story of all finally come true?

The book’s structure and style are both unique and refreshing, weaving narrative, allegory (in the form of Zadie’s own stories interspersed throughout) and graphic novel elements.  Reading Time

I loved Sparrow – I loved that she refused to believe in stereotypes and assumptions about people, that even though everyone gravitated towards her, she still chose Zadie over being the most popular girl in school. And I loved the loyalty she had to Zadie, and the loyalty Zadie showed to her – they were true friends. Book Muse

Readers aged 9+ will enjoy this story especially those who also long for a dog. Children with immigrant parents who work long hours in small businesses such as the shop owned by Mrs Ma are sure to identify with Zadie and other readers will gain an insight into different family relationships and cultural expectations.

Listen to an audio sample here.

This feels very autobiographical and so there are moments in this story which are deeply affecting especially the relationship between Zadie and her mum, dad and little brother and the depictions of the milk bar. I don’t usually enjoy books with other stories interspersed between the chapters and some of these work quite well. I especially loved the character of Sparrow and her kindness to Zadie. School has been hard for Zadie. We know she is teased and even bullied and has become quite withdrawn and shy. Sparrow arrives and becomes her friend. I just wanted to hug Sparrow!

Gabrielle Wang is our current Australian Children's Laureate. As I read Zadie Ma and the dog who chased the Moon, as I said,  I was sure this book was autobiographical and now I read these quotes from Gabrielle Wang: 

This book is very different from any of my other novels because it’s part narrative, part graphic novel, part fable. It is also a very personal story that I’ve carried with me almost all my life, well before I knew I would be an author.

There are many themes in this novel: friendship, diversity, Chinese culture, racism, bullying, war, courage, hope and connectedness. But above all, it is about the power of story – how they can change you on the inside and impact the world around you.

In this video Gabrielle talks with the Australian Writers' Centre (40 minutes).

Here are some of her previous books:

The Wishbird

The Beast of Hushing Wood

I remember I really enjoyed The Garden of the Empress Cassia (2002). I haven't talked about it here but perhaps I will find a copy at the next Lifeline Bookfair.