Karina Yan Glaser on The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

In this post, we feature acclaimed author Karina Yan Glaser, whose previous titles include The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, which was named a Junior Library Guild selection, among many other honors. You can hear her speak about her new novel, The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli, and try her “invitation to imagine” activity. You’ll also find other resources to explore. Thanks for joining us, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Written and illustrated by Karina Yan Glaser
Published by Allida, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books
Release date: September 16, 2025

In ancient Chang’An, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a bustling market full of whispers about his ability to summon tigers. In New York’s Depression-era Chinatown, Luli gazes out from the roof of her parents’ restaurant, dreaming of dim sum and Chinese art. Familiar rhythms rule the contained-but-contented lives of Han Yu and Luli. But when plague strikes Chang’An and financial crisis threatens Luli’s family, Han Yu and Luli must each venture out into the larger world—and into danger-filled adventure—to save what they love most. Filled with wondrous caves and conniving thieves, desert storms and magical lakes, Karina Yan Glaser’s epic and rewarding novel is a testament to the bravery required to face the unknown and the power of art to connect us through the ages.

From The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli, written by Karina Yan Glaser.

“Ever since he was young, Han Yu had been known for having a way with animals.”
Click here to view a longer preview of The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli, written by Karina Yan Glaser.

Explore The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Listen to Karina Yan Glaser talking with TeachingBooks about creating The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli. You can click the player below or experience the recording on TeachingBooks, where you can read along as you listen, and also translate the text to another language.

Invitation to Imagine

TeachingBooks asks each author or illustrator on our Virtual Book Tour to share a writing prompt, a drawing exercise, or just an interesting question to spark curiosity and creativity. Enjoy the following activity contributed by Karina Yan Glaser.

Imagination Activity with Karina Yan Glaser

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli is a book about the many stories and memories that families have with each other. What is your favorite memory or story of a family member or someone close to you or your family? What happened in the story, and why is it your favorite?

Finish This Sentence . . . with Karina Yan Glaser

As part of our Virtual Book Tour, TeachingBooks asks authors and illustrators to complete short sentence prompts. Enjoy Karina Yan Glaser’s response.

“A surprising thing that helps me work…”

A surprising thing that helps me work are long walks! I spend every morning taking a forty-five minute walk with my dogs, and I usually walk at least five miles every day. It really does help me work out any problems I might be having with any story I’m working on.

Karina Yan Glaser's two dogs out on a walk.

“My favorite books as a young reader were…”

My favorite books as a young reader were The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin. I would eagerly await each new book, and I loved comparing myself to the various characters. When I was younger, I wanted to be like Stacey and Claudia, but I was probably more like Mary Anne.

Thank you!

To wrap up this Virtual Book Tour, we thank Karina Yan Glaser for signing a book for all of us.

The title page of The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli, signed by the author, Karina Yan Glaser, with the message, "Wishing you many moons of grand adventures!"

More Connections to Karina Yan Glaser and The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

Explore all of the titles featured in the TeachingBooks Virtual Book Tour: one link with author interviews, lesson plans, activities, and more!

All text and images are courtesy of Karina Yan Glaser and HarperCollins and may not be used without expressed written consent.