Erin E. Moulton

Erin E. Moulton writes children's fiction centered on resourceful young people, family bonds, and the moments when belonging requires honesty rather than conformity. Tracing Stars follows Indie Lee Chickory, a marine-life enthusiast whose effort to impress her older sister draws her into a community theatre production, a concealed friendship, and a search for a lost pet lobster. Penguin published the novel for readers roughly eight to twelve, with Philomel issuing the original 2012 edition and Puffin the later paperback. Moulton earned an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is also the author of Flutter, Chasing the Milky Way, and Keepers of the Labyrinth. Her books move across realistic family stories and adventure while retaining an emphasis on courage and self-definition. Tracing Stars is especially representative of her ability to make an unusual passion, here Indie's knowledge of sea life, the emotional center of a story about sisters, friendship, theatre work, and learning to remain recognizably oneself.