If you decide to go to the moon
by Faith McNulty, Steven Kellogg
Scholastic 2005
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Themes include responsibility and stewardship
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Genre
Themes
- exploration
- curiosity
- space and science
- adventure
- responsibility and stewardship
- imagination
- courage
- discovery
About this book
This richly illustrated picture book invites readers to imagine preparing for and taking a trip to the Moon. In friendly second-person narration, it explains what to expect—from the roar of liftoff to the stillness and low gravity of the lunar surface—while weaving in real science and safety tips. Kids fascinated by space will enjoy the vivid details, sense of adventure, and stunning art by Steven Kellogg. It’s a great pick for young readers who love imagining big journeys and learning how things really work.
Setting: a modern space mission from Earth to the Moon and back
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is If you decide to go to the moon right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for If you decide to go to the moon. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include exploration, curiosity, space and science.
How long does it take to read If you decide to go to the moon?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, If you decide to go to the moon takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does If you decide to go to the moon have an AR quiz?
Yes — If you decide to go to the moon has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 If you decide to go to the moon?
If you decide to go to the moon has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.