Music from a place called Half Moon
by Jerrie Oughton
Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- prejudice
- friendship
- courage
- community
- identity
- standing up for others
- rumors and truth
- music and healing
About this book
In a small Southern mountain town called Half Moon, a thoughtful girl is drawn to a quiet boy whose gift for music sets him apart—and makes him a target for local gossip. As rumors grow, she confronts the prejudice simmering in her community and learns what it means to stand up for a friend. Lyrical writing and a strong sense of place create a memorable coming-of-age story. A good pick for middle-grade readers who like character-driven novels that spark conversations about fairness and courage.
Setting: a rural Appalachian/Southern town called Half Moon, mid-20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Music from a place called Half Moon right for my child?
Yes — Music from a place called Half Moon is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 prejudice, friendship, courage.
How long does it take to read Music from a place called Half Moon?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Music from a place called Half Moon takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Music from a place called Half Moon have an AR quiz?
Yes — Music from a place called Half Moon 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 Music from a place called Half Moon?
Music from a place called Half Moon has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.