Moonbird
A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) 2014
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- migration
- survival
- resilience
- conservation
- human–wildlife connection
- scientific research
- ecosystem interdependence
- perseverance
About this book
This riveting nonfiction follows B95, a legendary red knot shorebird that migrates thousands of miles each year along the Atlantic Flyway. Blending science, adventure, and conservation, Phillip Hoose traces the bird’s journey from the tip of South America to the Arctic, and the people working to protect its fragile habitats. Vivid photos, maps, and interviews make complex ecology accessible and exciting. Perfect for animal lovers and budding scientists who enjoy true stories about wildlife and the power of persistence.
Setting: the Atlantic Flyway, from Tierra del Fuego to the Canadian Arctic with key stopovers like Delaware Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moonbird right for my child?
Yes — Moonbird is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.5, which is typical for 7th 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 migration, survival, resilience.
How long does it take to read Moonbird?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Moonbird takes around 2.9h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Moonbird have an AR quiz?
Yes — Moonbird 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 Moonbird?
Moonbird has an AR reading level of 7.5, which places it at a 7th 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.