Moonlight and Dust

By Jasmin McGaughey

Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey

Moonlight and Dust is the debut Young Adult novel from Torres Strait Islander author Jasmin McGaughey. Paired with the magic and drama of being a teenager in far north Queensland, this book is a beautiful reflection of the culture of her family and the places she grew up. This is highlighted with the Author’s Note paying respect to the Indigenous peoples of the Torres Strait Islands, their varied languages, cultures and dialects.

Zillah has moved home to Cairns after years away at a boarding school in Brisbane, hoping to rekindle the once-close friendship with her older sister. But weird vibes and a terrible accident have put her plans on hold by the time school starts. Convinced the bizarre behaviour in the lead-up to the accident that landed her sister in a coma was from something more than just distance between them, Zillah is determined to discover the truth about what is going on. When she learns about the magical party drink everyone at school is using, how involved some of her sister’s best friends are, and what side effects the magic seems to be causing, Zillah needs to step out of her comfort zone to work out what she can do and who she should trust.

With high stakes, ever-increasing tension, and a satisfying twist thrown in right at the end, Moonlight and Dust will keep you turning pages well beyond bedtime. Relatable characters, quirky magic, typical teens and a wonderful mix of colloquial languages and dialects truly give this story a life of its own. Although topics like racism, multiculturalism and the thirst for power are woven throughout, the focus is largely around acceptance, compassion and humility. Reflecting the skill McGaughey has with the written word, the themes are spun seamlessly into an intriguing and captivating story about teenagers in their beautifully teen-centric world dealing with teenage issues.

Suitable for readers 14 years and over, with no foul language and only the innocent handholding and first kisses of new relationships.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a contemporary teen read with a light dose of fantasy mixed in.

Teaching Resources

A & U Children 2025

Jasmin McGaughey