Nearly a year after the sudden death of her mother, thirteen-year-old Clare is still in denial. But more big changes are in store for Clare. Her father abruptly moves them to Malawi, where he works as missionary doctor. Despite her father's belief that strange new land will be a healing place for them, Clare is not happy with her primitive new life. Gone are the luxuries of her Boston life, and Clare feels isolated and homesick. Then, she meets a special girl named Memory, a girl who is even more familiar with loss than Clare. As the two become friends, Clare begins to heal and live life as she never has before.

Laugh with the Moon is a poignant and moving read inspired by the author's own experiences in Malawi. This is a very well-written book about death and grief, friendship and healing, privilege and perspective. The author writes the raw emotions of a thirteen-year-old girl very well, making this a book many middle grade/teen girls will appreciate. Clare is a relatable girl, and as she experiences Malawi--both the good and the bad--so will the reader. Laugh with the Moon is rich with cultural information, though never boring or preachy, and it maintains a steady pace. Ultimately, Clare works through her grief in part because she sees how little everyone around her has. People in the village have few of even the most basic necessities. In fact, a boy dies of malaria because there is no medicine to help him. Like Clare, the Malawins are no strangers to losing their loved ones. All this contributes to a major shift in Clare's perspective and she learns what really is important in life. This is a great read for a middle school girl, and a great choice for a classroom as well.

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