Review of Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On the day the 2011 Newbery was announced, I had many conversations that went like this: "Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool won the Newbery. Have you ever heard of it?" The answer: No. The tweets started twittering and suddenly this little unknown middle grade book got the "to read" mark. Every second of reading Moon Over Manifest was worth this reader's time.

Let's go back in time, in the days of World War I, where a story of hope and courage and fear and joy and tears becomes a secret in the little town of Manifest. Now fast forward eighteen years when 12 year old Abilene Tucker comes to town. Pieces of the past and present begin to come together through storytelling and adventures. This heartwarming tale is a few layers deep. Vanderpool allows the reader to peel the layers one at a time and savor another time and place, and a story that uniquely universal in so many ways.

This is a book filled with rich language, drama, emotion, history, and bittersweet reality. The reading level is early fifth grade. It is appropriate for high readers fourth grade and up. As I read this book I was often reminded of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. The two stories share a familiar heart. There is no doubt in my mind that every teacher should read this book, and pass it on to their upper elementary and middle grade students. Moon Over Manifest is one of those books you can read again and again and discover something new each time. I agree that it deserved the Newbery Medal. Thank you Clare Vanderpool for penning a magnificent story and sharing it with the world.