Life on the Moon by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 4/14/26
ISBN: 059370472X
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Leo Brightstar is a twelve-year-old boy who joins his dad stepmother, Sally, to live on the first colony on the moon. Shortly after arrival, Leo’s dad and Sally disappear and Leo breaks all sorts of rules to find them, including stealing a talking rover.  While searching, Leo discovers that the Moon is full of life, even though he was told several times there is no life on the Moon.  Leo starts to question the truth of everything he has been told since his arrival, especially after becoming friends with some Valrootens, and then watching the Hortle eat his rival, Bobby. Leo does find his dad and Sally, and discovers they, too, had been eaten by the Hortle.  He saves them but then needs to find a creative way to prevent them from getting in trouble with the Constable, who happens to be Bobby’s dad and the leader of the group trying to suppress the truth about life on the Moon.  Bobby is also rescued and has been changed by his experience and becomes Leo’s ally.  They both love the Moon and its creatures and will do anything to save them.  Previous colonies have failed and life on the Moon is threatened, but Leo and Bobby are determined to do their best to save them.  Their plan is risky, but they are motivated, so Bobby returns to Earth to tell the people about the Valrootens and Leo is intentionally eaten by the Hortle, who is not the evil villain he was portrayed to be.

On the surface this book seems like a fun science fiction book, which it is.  It is full of adventure and imagination and plenty of action to keep readers hooked.  There are black and white illustrations throughout the text, and some pages are written with white text on a black background, reflecting the dark atmosphere of the moon and the caves that the characters find themselves in.  This book, however, is also much more.  Leo asks tough questions about life and friendship, tackling important issues like belonging and purpose, not only regarding himself, but also for his mother who is struggling on Earth.  More importantly, he learns what it means to be human and wants to share what he has learned with others, so they too, might become better versions of themselves.  Middle grade readers who like to think deeply about big questions will enjoy exploring what Leo has learned.  Readers will be left with a lot to thing about after reading this book.  This is a great addition to public and school libraries serving 4th-7th graders.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library