Moon Over Manifest
(Newbery Medal Winner)
Yearling 2011
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity and belonging
- family
- friendship and community
- secrets and truth
- storytelling and memory
- resilience
- hope
- immigration
About this book
In 1936, Abilene Tucker arrives in the small town of Manifest, Kansas, hoping to learn more about the father she barely knows. As she uncovers old letters, newspaper clippings, and town secrets, a mystery from World War I begins to surface. The story blends two time periods into a warm, layered tale about family, friendship, and finding a place to belong. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical settings with a touch of mystery and heart.
Setting: Manifest, a small town in Kansas; 1918 (World War I) and 1936 (Great Depression)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moon Over Manifest right for my child?
Yes — Moon Over Manifest is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 identity and belonging, family, friendship and community.
How long does it take to read Moon Over Manifest?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Moon Over Manifest takes around 10h to finish. The book has 99,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Moon Over Manifest have an AR quiz?
Yes — Moon Over Manifest has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Moon Over Manifest?
Moon Over Manifest has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.