The Moon by Night

Book Two of The Austin Family Chronicles

By: Madeleine L'Engle

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

Book two of the Austin Family Chronicles, an award-winning young adult series from Madeleine L'Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time, about a girl who experiences the difficulties and joys of growing up.

"Everyone who remembers Meet the Austins as a delightful family story will want to read . . . this wise, beautifully written novel." -Chicago Tribune

As if simply being fourteen-years-old weren't bad enough-what with the usual teenage angst and uncertainty, Vicky Austin's always comforting and reliable home life is changing completely. Her brother John is going off to college in the fall. Maggy, an orphan taken in by the Austins two years ago, has gone to live with her legal guardian. And the rest of Vicky's family is moving from their quiet house in the country to the heart of New York City.

But before the big move, the entire Austin family is taking a meandering trip across the country in their station wagon, stopping to camp along the way, with no set schedule and not a single night of camping experience among them.

Wild animal attacks. Life-threatening natural disasters. Cute boys on the prowl. Anything can happen in the great outdoors.

Kids involved with deeper topics than many are even aware of these days.

Like the discussion of very difficult topics in believable ways. No avoidance of imperfections in main characters who must deal with their issues.

Charming

Innocent, coming of age story. Lovely descriptions of a cross country road trip of the 1960's

An unequal sequel

THE MOON BY NIGHT is much less a timeless story than MEET THE AUSTINS. Preachy and filled with misogyny, I don’t recommend.