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Moxie book cover

Moxie

A Novel

by Jennifer Mathieu

Brand Nu Words 2017

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
337
Pages
12
AR Points
8.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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YALSA Best Fiction for Young AdultsAmelia Bloomer List (Rise: A Feminist Book Project)Tayshas Reading List (Texas Library Association)

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • feminism
  • activism
  • friendship
  • female empowerment
  • high school culture
  • resistance to injustice
  • identity and voice
  • community

About this book

In a small Texas town where football rules, sixteen-year-old Vivian quietly starts a feminist zine to call out the sexist culture at her high school. What begins as an anonymous act of courage grows into a movement as other girls—and some allies—find their voices too. The story blends friendship, first crushes, and the power of speaking up with a fast, relatable high school setting. Perfect for teens who enjoy contemporary stories about activism, empowerment, and changing the status quo.

Setting: a contemporary small-town Texas high school

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moxie right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Moxie. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include feminism, activism, friendship.

How long does it take to read Moxie?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Moxie takes around 8.5h to finish. The book has 84,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Moxie have an AR quiz?

Yes — Moxie has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Moxie?

Moxie has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.