Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE MOON AND MORE

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THE MOON AND MORE

Sarah Dessen

Emaline tries to figure out her future during the summer before college.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Teen romance, infidelity, family separation, college decisions, and emotional relationship conflict suit mature middle-school and high-school readers; no explicit sexual content or graphic violence is indicated. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

General references to lifestyle and fashion brands common in YA literature.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild language typical of the young adult genre.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Central theme of teenage dating, heartbreak, and infidelity.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No frightening or supernatural elements.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of sexual history or feelings common in teen novels.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional light social references or underage drinking/parties are standard in this genre.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Emaline faces betrayal, family upheaval, and uncertainty about college and her future, ultimately making difficult independent choices.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The inclusion of an artist's biography and film production adds creative interest.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited racial or cultural diversity is described in the provided material.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of personal growth and professional development via an internship.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Emaline looks after Morris, helps Benji cope with divorce, and family and friends provide practical support.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on self-discovery, the importance of family, and learning from mistakes.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist acts with agency, though makes typical teenage mistakes.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in THE MOON AND MORE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE MOON AND MORE, and what caused that change?
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