Moon Over Manifest

by Clare Vanderpool
read by Jenna Lamia, with Cassandra Campbell and Kirby Heyborne
Scott County Library audiobook, 8 CDs
genre: YA historical fiction

The historical fiction in this story went between "present day" 1930s Kansas in the grip of the Depression and WWI as depicted in letters and stories. It's placed in the small town of Manifest, Kansas, and is peopled by fascinating characters.

Abilene (made me smile, having recently finished with The Help) is a 12 year old girl who has lived the lifestyle of a hobo with her dad, Gideon, until he sends her to Manifest.

Miss Sadie
Hattie Mae
Sister Redempta
Shady
Ned
Jinx

"There is power in a story" is one line from the book that I jotted down. I think the power of this book is that very real power in stories . . . there is much that is believable and relatable in the stories of people's lives, even fictional ones.

I'm not sure how I would "sell" this book to middle schoolers. If they are fans of historical fiction, that is one easy angle. Another is the mystery of who "The Rattler" is and how the kids ferret out that information. There are also plenty of kid adventures as Abilene and her new friends explore the area around Manifest.

This is a delightful story (Ned and Jinx were my favorites) and the vocal work is excellent.