Checking on the moon
by Jenny Davis
Orchard Books 1991
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family responsibility
- friendship
- first love
- identity
- resilience
- change
- trust
- hope
About this book
This contemporary coming-of-age story follows a teenage girl during a season of big changes at home and school. Balancing family responsibilities with new friendships and first hints of romance, she searches for steady ground when life feels uncertain. Told with a quiet, honest voice, the book highlights everyday bravery and the small choices that add up to real growth. It’s a good fit for middle school and early high school readers who enjoy realistic, character-driven novels.
Setting: contemporary small-town America, early 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checking on the moon right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Checking on the moon. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include family responsibility, friendship, first love.
How long does it take to read Checking on the moon?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Checking on the moon takes around 6.0h to finish. The book has 54,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Checking on the moon have an AR quiz?
Yes — Checking on the moon has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Checking on the moon?
Checking on the moon has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.