Moon over Star
Dial Books for Young Readers 2008
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- dreams and aspirations
- family support
- exploration and discovery
- history and memory
- role models in STEM
- identity and representation
- perseverance
- wonder of space
About this book
This lyrical picture book follows a young girl named Mae and her family as they watch the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, imagining what the future might hold. Told with warmth and wonder, it captures a historic moment through a child’s eyes and the dreams it inspires. Rich, expressive artwork deepens the sense of family, community, and possibility. Perfect for early elementary readers and read‑alouds, it invites conversations about history, space, and big dreams.
Setting: small Southern U.S. town, summer 1969 during the Apollo 11 moon landing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moon over Star right for my child?
Yes — Moon over Star is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, which is typical for 3rd 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 dreams and aspirations, family support, exploration and discovery.
How long does it take to read Moon over Star?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Moon over Star takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Moon over Star have an AR quiz?
Yes — Moon over Star 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 Moon over Star?
Moon over Star has an AR reading level of 3.4, which places it at a 3rd 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.