Book details
The Moon by Night: Book Two of The Austin Family Chronicles (Austin Family Series 2)
Description
Book two of the Austin Family Chronicles, an award-winning young adult series from Madeleine L'Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time, about a girl who experiences the difficulties and joys of growing up. "Everyone who remembers Meet the Austins as a delightful family story will want to read . . . this wise, beautifully written novel." --Chicago Tribune As if simply being fourteen-years-old weren't bad enough--what with the usual teenage angst and uncertainty, Vicky Austin's always comforting and reliable home life is changing completely. Her brother John is going off to college in the fall. Maggy, an orphan taken in by the Austins two years ago, has gone to live with her legal guardian. And the rest of Vicky's family is moving from their quiet house in the country to the heart of New York City. But before the big move, the entire Austin family is taking a meandering trip across the country in their station wagon, stopping to camp along the way, with no set schedule and not a single night of camping experience among them. Wild animal attacks. Life-threatening natural disasters. Cute boys on the prowl. Anything can happen in the great outdoors. Praise for The Moon by Night: "Idealistic and wise, this is also absorbing reading and very much a story of today." --The Horn Book Magazine "Everyone who remembers Meet the Austins as a delightful family story will want to read its successor. . . . Vicky, groping painfully for answers, finding help from many sources, will strike chords of sympathy and understanding in her contemporaries, who are certain to find comfort and satisfaction in this wise, beautifully written novel." --Chicago Tribune "The Austin family spends the summer on a cross-country camping trip . . . Vicky, now 'almost 15, ' tells the story, and the reader feels a strong personal identification with the thoughts and emotions of this age group through her story." --School Library Journal "With natural dialogue and good characterization, this story of an intelligent, lifelike family is far superior to the average fare for the early teens." --Booklist Books by Madeleine L'EngleA Wrinkle in Time QuintetA Wrinkle in TimeA Wind in the DoorA Swiftly Tilting PlanetMany WatersAn Acceptable Time A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel by Madeleine L'Engle; adapted & illustrated by Hope Larson Intergalactic P.S. 3 by Madeleine L'Engle; illustrated by Hope Larson: A standalone story set in the world of A Wrinkle in Time. The Austin Family ChroniclesMeet the Austins (Volume 1) The Moon by Night (Volume 2) The Young Unicorns (Volume 3)A Ring of Endless Light (Volume 4) A Newbery Honor book!Troubling a Star (Volume 5) The Polly O'Keefe booksThe Arm of the StarfishDragons in the WatersA House Like a Lotus And Both Were Young Camilla The Joys of Love
Age
12-16
Text complexity
proficient
Length
288 pages
Book in series
#2
Why to read
- Engaging Character Development: 'The Moon by Night' continues to explore the complexities of the Austin family, particularly focusing on the protagonist Vicky Austin. Readers who enjoyed the first book will appreciate the deeper insights into her coming-of-age journey, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven narratives.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: Madeleine L'Engle is known for weaving profound themes into her stories, and this book is no exception. It tackles issues of identity, belonging, and change, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs.
- Beautiful Prose: L'Engle's writing is celebrated for its lyrical quality and vivid descriptions. 'The Moon by Night' offers a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing, perfect for those who appreciate literary craftsmanship.
- Continuation of a Beloved Series: As the second installment of The Austin Family Chronicles, this book is a must-read for fans of the series. It provides continuity for the overarching narrative and allows readers to stay connected with characters they have grown to love.