Content levels
Trigger warnings
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The extraordinary tale of a curious boy sent to live on the moon, the wondrous discoveries he makes, and the courage it takes to speak a truth no one wants to believe. The first rule of life on the moon is: There is no life on the moon. The second rule is: Don't ask questions. 12-year-old Leo gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the very first Moon colony. He’s excited to be part of the top-secret mission, but things quickly go off the rails. Right after his family lands on the Moon, Leo’s dad is called off on an urgent mission from which he never returns. The authorities claim the mission never existed, and Leo’s dad is accused of desertion. Leo goes looking for his dad and discovers far more than he bargained for. Everyone in the colony insists there’s NO life on the Moon. But Leo’s explorations reveal a landscape brimming with extraordinary creatures—with baffling behaviors and beliefs. Leo’s big question is: why keep Moon life a secret? Who stands to gain? And how can he find a way to save his new Moon friends before the lie becomes a reality?
Tags
Is Life on the Moon appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Parents should know this book involves a child whose father disappears under mysterious circumstances and authorities lie about it, which may cause some anxiety. The story addresses themes of government deception and standing up to authority, with mild peril as Leo explores and tries to protect alien life.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include abandonment, deception, and gaslighting.
Who'll love this
Kids will love following Leo as he explores the Moon, discovers secret alien creatures, and works to uncover the truth about what happened to his dad.