Life on the Moon
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

Life on the Moon

Written by Matthew Swanson · Illustrated by Robbi Behr

A boy's father vanishes on the first Moon colony, and nobody will say why.

4.1 Goodreads · 17 ratings
320 pages· 540L· AR ~3.6
$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Leo joins the very first colony on the Moon, where the rules are simple: there is no life on the Moon, and don't ask questions. Right after landing, his dad is called away on an urgent mission and never returns. The authorities say the mission never existed and accuse his dad of desertion. Searching for him, Leo discovers a landscape full of extraordinary creatures that everyone insists aren't there. Why is Moon life a secret, and can Leo protect his new friends before the lie wins?

From the publisher

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. LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 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?

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
320
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
540L
AR book level
~3.6
The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
F&P level
~N
Publication
Published
April 14, 2026
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780593704721

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