The Moon and More

Name: The Moon and More
ISBN: 9781484454411

by Sarah Dessen

Emaline's final summer in her small beach town is anything but ordinary. A new romance, a reappearing biological father, and a changing relationship with her high school sweetheart force her to questi

About This Book

Sarah Dessen's 'The Moon and More' follows Emaline, a high school graduate spending her last summer in Colby, a small beach town, before heading to college. What she hopes will be a simple summer of work and time with her boyfriend and friends turns into a complex journey of self-discovery. Emaline finds herself entangled in a new romance with a city boy, confronts her biological father who mysteriously rescinded college funding, and supports her younger half-brother through his parents' divorce. The novel explores themes of first love, heartbreak, family dynamics, and the difficult choices young adults face as they step into independence, ultimately highlighting the importance of knowing oneself and one's values.

During her last summer at home before leaving for college, Emaline begins a whirlwind romance with Theo, an assistant documentary filmmaker who is in town to make a movie.

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Love & Family Friendship & Loyalty Resilience & Perseverance Honesty & Integrity Curiosity & Wonder Sadness & Grief Loneliness & Belonging Empathy & Kindness Anger & Frustration Freedom & Independence Growing Up Making Friends Parents Divorcing First Day Sibling Rivalry Family & Siblings Art & Creativity

Heads up, parents

Romantic Content

separation_from_parent

mental_health_themes

abandonment

Discussion Prompts

How does Emaline's understanding of 'romance' change throughout the summer? What does she learn about love and relationships?

Discuss the different father figures in Emaline's life: her biological father, her stepdad Rob, and even Morris's lack of a father. How do these relationships shape her?

Emaline initially plans to stay in Colby for college. What makes her question this decision, and what does she ultimately realize about her future?

How does Emaline's relationship with Theo differ from her relationship with Luke? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

The book explores the idea of being a 'supporting character' versus the 'lead' in your own life. How does Emaline take charge of her own story by the end of the novel?

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