Moonrise
The Warriors series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
They think I hurt someone. But I didn't. Joe hasn't seen his brother Ed for ten years, who is on death row. With Ed's execution date set, Joe is determined to spend the last weeks with him. This poignant novel by Sarah Crossan asks deep questions about the value of life and forgiveness. An assortment of 54 cross-sums puzzles! Kakuro is the new 'crazy' game, after Sudoku! A cool way to stimulate logical thinking! Like all good puzzles, the rules are easy to learn. Kakuro has clues both across and down. When you put numbers in the vacant cells, the sum must equal the given clues. This is why the game called cross sums. Just like a Sudoku, you cannot have the same number in a column or row. Completing a Kakuro puzzle can be quite a challenge; only basic arithmetic and a pencil with eraser are required!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joe
Nell
Aunt Karen
Angela
Ed
Discussion points
How do you think Joe felt when he visited his brother Ed in prison? Can you think of a time when you were nervous to see someone?
Why is it important for Joe to remember the good times he had with Ed? How do you remember special moments with family or friends?
What does the moon symbolize in the story? How does it change as the story progresses?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from Ed’s point of view instead of Joe’s?
What did you think about the ending? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their personal experiences. Use a calm and open demeanor to make them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Highlight the significance of understanding different perspectives, and discuss the importance of family and memories in shaping our lives. Lastly, involve some creative activities like drawing scenes or writing letters to the characters to deepen their connection and understanding of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of forgiveness
Explanation: In 'Moonrise,' the protagonist learns to forgive others, including family members, despite past mistakes and pain.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to forgive friends or siblings after disagreements, fostering healthier relationships and emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: The story emphasizes strong family bonds and the lengths one will go to support and protect family members, even under challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate their family, understand the depth of familial love, and act supportively towards family members.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in 'Moonrise' demonstrate empathy by understanding the feelings and circumstances of others, which helps to resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions at school or home, leading to better communication and mutual respect among peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist shows resilience throughout the trials faced in the book, offering a model of coping with and overcoming hardships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain strong and hopeful during difficult times, such as while dealing with academic challenges or personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: The quest for justice
Explanation: The book explores themes of justice and fairness, with the protagonist seeking truth and justice even when it's not easy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to stand up for what is right, engage in fair play, and understand the importance of justice in their community.