Regional (June 17, 2026) — Award-winning novel Decoding the Moon by children’s author and former special education teacher Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw tells the touching story of twelve-year-old Levi as his life is turned upside down after the sudden loss of his mother. Navigating grief, a move to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Marquette), and a newfound fear of heights after a petrifying fall, avid rock climber Levi is stuck spending his summer home with Zack, his spy-code-obsessed brother. When Zack, who is autistic, mentions he feels like Mom went to the moon and never returned, Levi becomes determined to get them closer to the moon to say their final goodbyes. 

Together, the brothers embark on a rock-climbing, cipher-decoding adventure to say goodbye, discovering courage, connection, and resilience along the way. Winner of the Fictionary Book of the Year Award, and published by Warren Publishing February, 2026, Decoding the Moon will resonate with young readers and parents alike, encouraging kids to bravely face their fears and overcome obstacles with grit, determination, and love. 

While the story’s themes are universal, Lipshaw drew inspiration from her own life and family. Protagonist Levi is based on her younger son’s experience of being afraid to climb again after a frightening fall. Although she did not initially plan to write about grief, Lipshaw lost her father while she was drafting her book, and the story took shape. Acknowledging that her grief journey would differ from those of her young characters, she participated in a children’s grief camp and then wove the information she garnered with her own experiences to shape this aspect of her story. 

Up North/U.P. Tour Info: Suzanne will be based in Charlevoix from June 25 – 29, St. Ignace from June 29 – July 2, and Marquette from July 2 – 7.