Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

Published 2017

Available from the Richland County Library in print format.

Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty of Chinatown, San Francisco in 1906, and an education at St. Clare’s School for Girls is her best hope. Although St. Clare’s is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls, Mercy gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part. Not to be undone by a bunch of spoiled heiresses, Mercy stands strong—until disaster strikes.

On April 18, a historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy’s home and school. Now she’s forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment. Though fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, Mercy can’t sit by while they wait for the army to bring help—she still has the “bossy” cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. But what can one teenage girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city?

Outrun the Moon portrays the inspiring story of Mercy Wong, a determined teenage girl who defies societal expectations and overcomes adversity in order to pursue her education. In the face of disaster and destruction, Mercy’s resilience and leadership qualities shine through as she takes charge and works tirelessly to bring healing and aid to her community, demonstrating the power of women in leading and making a positive impact in their communities, even in the most challenging circumstances.