Good Moon Rising
by Nancy Garden
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 1996
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.9 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- identity and self-discovery
- first love
- coming out
- homophobia and prejudice
- courage
- friendship
- art and creativity
- belonging
About this book
Jan starts her senior year expecting to shine onstage, but when a trusted drama teacher falls ill, she steps in to direct the school play—and begins to understand herself in new ways. Amid rehearsals and school politics, Jan navigates first love and the courage it takes to be honest about who you are. With a vivid theater backdrop and authentic high school dynamics, this story speaks to teens exploring identity, friendship, and belonging. Readers are drawn to its heartfelt voice, realistic conflicts, and hopeful, empowering tone.
Setting: a contemporary American high school and town, centered on the school theater program
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Moon Rising right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Good Moon Rising. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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 identity and self-discovery, first love, coming out.
How long does it take to read Good Moon Rising?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Good Moon Rising takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Good Moon Rising have an AR quiz?
Yes — Good Moon Rising has an AR quiz available, worth 10 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 Good Moon Rising?
Good Moon Rising has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.