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The AR Booklist
Touch the moon book cover

Touch the moon

by Marion Dane Bauer

Clarion Books 1987

Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade

Reading level 3.8 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14

3rd grade English
77
Pages
1
AR Points
1.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • wishes and longing
  • imagination and wonder
  • courage
  • self-discovery
  • family
  • friendship with animals
  • independence
  • nighttime magic

About this book

A lonely girl makes a moonlit wish for a horse and finds her small toy pony opening the door to an enchanting, nighttime adventure. Blending gentle fantasy with real-world feelings, the story explores longing, courage, and the magic that can live inside a wish. Short chapters and clear prose make it a warm pick for growing readers who love horses and a touch of wonder. Kids enjoy the dreamy atmosphere, the strong bond between child and horse, and the hopeful, heart-tugging tone.

Setting: a small-town neighborhood and a moonlit, dreamlike world

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Touch the moon right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Touch the moon. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd 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 wishes and longing, imagination and wonder, courage.

How long does it take to read Touch the moon?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Touch the moon takes around 1.5h to finish. The book has 12,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Touch the moon have an AR quiz?

Yes — Touch the moon has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Touch the moon?

Touch the moon has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd 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.