Children's Literature Reviewed: Moon Over Manifest

Full Bibliographic Data for Moon Over Manifest:

Author: Clare Vanderpool

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2010

ISBN: 9780385738835

Summary: A young girl is sent away to the town of Manifest, Kansas by her struggling father, Gideon, with not much more than a satchel and a broken compass. Abilene quickly acquaints herself with a colorful crew and discovers a box of mementos; both of which guide her on her exploration of her father’s past and its connection to her present situation.

Review: Based on the actual town of Frontenac, Kansas, Manifest is a typical American city struggling to remain in tact despite national oppression. The main character, Abilene, extremely independent for a girl of her age, conveys a raw truth about children who suffered due to the hardships of this era. Old letters, newspaper clippings, and colorful dialogue between distinct voices, all come together to provide readers with this cleverly told tale through the personal journey of young Abilene, which sheds light on major historical events such as World War I, The Great Depression and the effects of both on common people. Abilene’s fearless determination begs readers to root for her success in the unfolding of her family history.Tragedies such as the Spanish Influenza, orphan trains, and the Ku Klux Klan are all featured in this poignant trip down memory lane. The author’s note following this story provides detailed information on fact vs. fiction throughout this piece, as well as sources for creativity within. The suggested readings which follow, along with the author’s note, serve as crucial tools for the educational context of this novel. “Of course most of the story is fiction. But even fiction has to come from somewhere. Many elements in the book were inspired by family stories and newspaper articles from regional papers of both 1918 and 1936” (Vanderpool, Author’s Note).

Review Excerpts:

“Alternately set between World War I and The Great Depression, the story is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and sometimes poignantly sad, but page after page, it is hard to put down” (Children’s Literature, 2010).

“Vanderpool weaves humor and sorrow into a complex tale involving murders, orphans, bootlegging, and a mother in hiding. With believable dialogue, vocabulary and imagery appropriate to time and place, and well-developed characters, this rich and rewarding first novel is “like sucking on a butterscotch. Smooth and sweet” (Booklist, 2010).

“The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending” (Kirkus Reviews, 2010).

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

John Newbery Medal, 2011 Winner United States

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2011 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States

Booklist Book Review Stars , Oct. 15, 2010 ; United States

Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2011 ; American Library Association; United States

Kirkus Best Children's Books, 2010 ; United States

Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2010 ; United States

Notable Children's Books, 2011 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States

Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 27, 2010 ; United States

Related Materials:

Official site for Clare Vanderpool: http://www.clarevanderpool.com/

Online learning for children re: WW I and The Great Depression: http://www.treasurydirect.gov/kids/history/history_wwi.htm