Blue Moon
A Reacher Novel
by Lee Child
Bantam 2020
Book 8 of Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and retribution
Book 8 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- vigilante justice
- moral code and consequences
- organized crime and corruption
- altruism vs. self-preservation
- debt and economic desperation
- violence and retribution
- loyalty and protection of the vulnerable
- survival in a lawless underworld
About this book
On a cross-country bus, Jack Reacher intervenes when he spots a vulnerable older man about to be robbed. His good deed pulls him into a violent turf war between Albanian and Ukrainian crime syndicates in a gritty Midwestern city, where an elderly couple is trapped by predatory debts tied to their daughter’s medical crisis. Guided by his own stark moral code, Reacher takes on both gangs to make things right.
Setting: A contemporary, unnamed Midwestern/Rust Belt American city; buses, diners, safe houses, gang strongholds, and city streets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Moon right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Blue Moon. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include vigilante justice, moral code and consequences, organized crime and corruption. Note: this is book 8 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Blue Moon?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Blue Moon takes around 12h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Blue Moon have an AR quiz?
Yes — Blue Moon has an AR quiz available, worth 18 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Blue Moon?
Blue Moon has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.