HootRated mascot HootRated

And the Moon Follows

Cyn Bermudez

Cover of And the Moon Follows

And the Moon Follows

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Cyn Bermudez

Reading Level 3 8IE Ages 13+ Heads Up

The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

The sharp scent of cold night air mixes with the rustle of leaves under Luna’s feet as she slips through shadowed streets. Every sound feels louder, every step heavier, as she tries to outrun a past that won’t let go. Alone and scared, Luna wonders how long she can keep running before she finds somewhere safe to belong.

Quick Assessment

This young adult novel follows Luna, a teenager who escapes an abusive home and faces the harsh realities of homelessness and survival on the streets. It addresses difficult topics such as sexual abuse, poverty, and the struggles of runaways with sensitivity appropriate for ages 13 and up. Parents should be aware of the mature themes and emotional intensity present in this story.

Why we rated And the Moon Follows 8IE

And the Moon Follows is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, And the Moon Follows works for readers up to grade 5.0.

We rate And the Moon Follows as 8IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Sexual Abuse, Homelessness, Runaway.

Thematically, And the Moon Follows explores coming of age, family, social justice, and survival — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
  • Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, social justice.

Maybe not for

  • ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
  • ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

8IE — Intense — Emotional
Emotional
Intense
Physical
Light
Social
Intense
Thematic
Moderate

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Sexual Abuse Homelessness Runaway
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

4/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
2
Emotional Weight
8
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

Similar Books

Based on content and theme analysis

See all books like this →

Details

Book Length

96 pages
ISBN
9781538385296
Pages
96
Publisher
West 44 Books
Published
2020
Type
Fiction

Subjects

Young Adult Fiction, Social Themes, Sexual AbuseYoung Adult Fiction, Social Themes, Homelessness & PovertyYoung Adult Fiction, Social Themes, Runaways