Under the Pale Moon


Children - Social Issues
192 Pages
Reviewed on 06/29/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Under the Pale Moon by Whitney and David Knight follows Gabby, a nonverbal seven-year-old girl with autism and extraordinary technical skills, who lives in a wooded suburb with her family. After crashing during a daring bike jump and earning neighborhood admiration, she secretly modifies her bike with a powerful experimental engine from her father's aerospace job. Her flight launches her into unknown territory, where she meets two boys, Gino and Beans. The trio embarks on an unexpected urban adventure involving burgers, local legends, and a high-speed car chase with a dangerous figure named Reggie and his hook-handed driver. As the night unfolds, they bond, evade threats, and return to Gabby’s high-tech home, learning that they've drawn attention from a mysterious tech mogul, Mr. X, who takes interest in Gabby’s bike, and possibly her potential.

Under the Pale Moon by Whitney and David Knight is a well-written and inventive story. Gabby, who is immediately likable, is depicted as a math and computer whiz, as well as the girl who is not afraid of giving Evel Knievel a run for his money. The authors portray her with care and creativity, showing how her mechanical talent and fearless nature shift how peers perceive her. The characters inside Gabby's orbit are given the same treatment. Whether it's the lifelong advocacy of doing what's right in Grannie Rex or Uncle Willie and his belief in community revival, every single character is fully realized. Throughout the book, scenes come alive where unlikely friendships form, community history is shared, and youthful ingenuity drives the action. Humor, curiosity, and determination shape Gabby’s journey as she finds new ways to connect with those around her, carrying a strong sense of purpose while never losing her sense of wonder and energy. Very highly recommended.