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Summary: In Moonleapers, the first book of a captivating duology by Margaret Peterson Haddix, 12-year-old Maisie McGraw receives her first cell phone—a hand-me-down from her Great-Aunt Hazel. Excited about the possibilities, her enthusiasm is quickly dampened when she learns her family will be spending the summer caring for her great-aunt, a stranger to her. However, everything changes when Maisie starts receiving mysterious text messages filled with riddles that lead her to uncover the secretive world of Moonleapers—a group of time travelers. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she learns she shares more in common with her great-aunt than she ever expected. The narrative explores themes of friendship, family, and the impact of our choices, all while weaving in elements of time travel. With its engaging plot and relatable characters, Moonleapers promises to capture the imagination of middle-grade readers.
Straight Talk for School Librarians: School librarians can effectively use Moonleapers in various library lessons and programming. This book can serve as a springboard for discussions about time travel, encouraging students to explore historical events and their implications. Librarians might organize a "Time Travel Day," where students research different eras and create presentations on the impact of key historical figures or events, paralleling the time travel elements in the story. Additionally, the book’s themes of family and friendship can inspire collaborative projects, such as a "Family History" initiative where students create family trees and share stories about their ancestors. This not only fosters a sense of community but also ties back to the importance of relationships in the narrative. I am a big fan of Margaret Peterson Haddix and I think a lot of middle grade readers are too. Great addition to any school or public library.
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for a ARC of this book.
