Sent away to live in her father's hometown for the summer, Abilene Tucker hops off the train early, determined to uncover what the quiet little town of Manifest is really hiding. While her father works the railroad, she stumbles into a web of old letters, hidden clues, and long-buried stories that slowly reveal a past far more vibrant—and heartbreaking—that she ever expected. Secrets, spies, and layered storytelling bring this book to life, offering redemption in the midst of loss.
Moon Over Manifest beautifully explores how our stories—both joyful and painful—shape who we become. As Abilene pieces together the town's history, readers are invited to reflect on their sense of identity, belonging, and the ways understanding our past can give meaning to the present.
This Newbery-winning novel draws students into a rich narrative that moves between 1930s America and WWI-era flashbacks. It offers a compelling, literature-based way to explore personal identity, community resilience, and historic change through unforgettable storytelling.