Dickens & Rumi
Cover of LADDER TO THE MOON

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LADDER TO THE MOON

Maya Soetoro-Ng

From President Obama’s half-sister, a paean to their free-spirited mother. (Ages 4 to 8)

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to preschool and early elementary readers; its poetic language and themes of family connection, compassion, and longing may benefit from adult discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The book centers on a child remembering a deceased grandmother, handling it with grace and warmth.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

The story is spiritual in a fantasy sense, not religious.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The tone is comforting and magical, not scary.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Suh shows gentle bravery by accepting an unknown journey and facing difficult realities, but the story emphasizes wonder, family connection, and compassion more than sustained courageous action.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Uses rich, imaginative imagery of the moon as a bridge to connection.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Celebrates multiracial heritage and global, compassionate connection.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes appreciation for oral history and cultural connection.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and empathy are the core themes of the interactions.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong positive messages about intergenerational love, memory, and the power of storytelling.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The grandmother is a gentle and wise role model for the protagonist.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in LADDER TO THE MOON would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in LADDER TO THE MOON, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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