Moonshiner's son
Camelot 1993
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family loyalty
- identity
- right vs. wrong
- courage
- prejudice and judgment
- coming of age
- community
- tradition vs. change
About this book
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, this historical novel follows a boy who is torn between loyalty to his moonshiner father and his own growing sense of right and wrong. As tensions rise with lawmen and neighbors, he confronts prejudice and embarrassment at school while discovering what kind of person he wants to be. Vivid mountain details, family bonds, and moral choices keep readers turning pages. It’s a thoughtful, accessible read for middle graders who enjoy realistic stories grounded in American history.
Setting: Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia; early 20th century (Prohibition/Depression era)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moonshiner's son right for my child?
Yes — Moonshiner's son is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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 family loyalty, identity, right vs. wrong.
How long does it take to read Moonshiner's son?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Moonshiner's son takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Moonshiner's son have an AR quiz?
Yes — Moonshiner's son has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Moonshiner's son?
Moonshiner's son has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.