Recommended by: Rachelle Gura, Library Media Specialist, Miller Middle School, Kingston Teachers Federation

Suitable for: middle-level students

Why I chose it: Middle-level students are big fans of funny books and also love adventures and survival stories.

Moon is 10 years old. He's lived all his life in the Alabama woods with his father. They have had virtually no contact with the outside world, as Moon's father is distrustful of the government.

But when Moon's father dies, Moon is left on his own. He has great survival skills, but he gets lonely and that results in him getting into a lot of trouble. In the end, he learns that he needs other people.

How teachers can use this book: Themes include friendship, family, death, loneliness and survival. It will get students reading and wanting to discuss what they read.

Teachers can pair it with Hatchet (Gary Paulsen) and discuss survival themes, or with Hidden Talents (David Lubar) and compare friendship and boarding school themes.

What I like best: Moon learns how a "family" can be formed in many different ways, and about trust vs. self-reliance.

He learns there are advantages to finding others to trust and help him, even though he often relies upon his own survival skills. This book is also very funny!

Check It Out features books recommended to teachers and parents by school librarians.