Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon
by Sally Keehn
Philomel 2007
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- resourcefulness
- family and community
- perseverance
- folklore and storytelling
- good vs. evil
- self-reliance
- respect for nature
About this book
Magpie Gabbard is a bold mountain girl who sets out on a high-spirited quest when the moon disappears from the sky. Guided by tall-tale wisdom and old-time folklore, she crosses ridges, rivers, and dark hollows to outwit tricky creatures and restore light to her home. Humor, adventure, and a strong heroine make this a fun read-aloud or independent read for middle graders. Fans of folklore-flavored fantasy will enjoy the voice, the setting, and Magpie’s grit.
Setting: a folktale-inspired Appalachian mountain country
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon right for my child?
Yes — Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, resourcefulness, family and community.
How long does it take to read Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon have an AR quiz?
Yes — Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon?
Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.