Moon Over Manifest

By: Clare Vanderpool

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia, Cassandra Campbell, Kirby Heyborne

"The movement of the train rocked me like a lullaby. I closed my eyes to the dusty countryside and imagined the sign I'd seen only in Gideon's stories: Manifest - A town with a rich past and a bright future."

Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was.

Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it's just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to "Leave Well Enough Alone".

Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest's history is full of colorful and shadowy characters - and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest's secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.

Powerful in its simplicity and rich in historical detail, Clare Vanderpool's debut is a gripping story of loss and redemption.

©2011 Clare Vanderpool (P)2011 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Ingeniously plotted and gracefully told." (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)

“Readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending.” (Kirkus, starred review)

"Replete with historical details and surprises, Vanderpool's debut delights, while giving insight into family and community.” (Publisher's Weekly)

Wonderful read...

I loved this book, especially on Audible. Several different voices added to the place and time. Not sure I would have enjoyed it as much in book format.

An enjoyable story

Loved the story and couldn't stop listening. it was a bit predictable in portions, but a lovely story regardless. The performance was well done and added to the enjoyment.

great book

I don't give every book a 5 star rating, but I really liked this one.

Charming story.

Would you listen to Moon Over Manifest again? Why?

Yes I would listen to this story again. The narration was excellent! I would compare this book to The Secret Life of Bees.

What did you like best about this story?

It was a charming story. I like the time period the story was set in and the characters were well done and I cared about the outcome. I couldn't quit listening but I also didn't want the story to end.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This book had a cast of narrators. They were all excellent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh many times and was very poignant.

Any additional comments?

Worthwhile read. You won't be sorry you used a credit on this one.

Good book

It started out kind of weird. It kept me reading to the end though to put it all together. I liked it.

Good read will take you home! I

I love the home town feel the book gives the reader . One not only roots for the townspeople but becomes one!

Manifest an interesting town!

I know this is a children's book, but my husband and I thought this a must for anyone
and everyone. This author is wonderful, not only in the telling of this girl who ends up
in Manifest, but in her other book "Navigating Early". I didn't want either of these books
to end. Interesting twists and turns all throughout both books. A Delight!

wonderful story & narration

this far exceeded my expectations. the way the story unfolds is very original, the prose as smoothe as butter so that you flow with the story as it unfolds. it is full of hope and yes suspense as to what is coming next. well worth a place in any good library.

Moon Over Manifest

This book is so enjoyable and engrossing that more than once I stayed up waaay past lights out, because I wanted to know what happened next. The narration was sublime. I will definitly look for more from this author and narrator. Enjoy ...you will not be disappointed!
Sigh... is the story really over?

Breathtakingly beautiful...

A story that will wrap you up and suck you in its weaving tale. Similar to a tale one might imagine an old gentlemanly grandpa telling his grandchildren as they sit on his knee. This story is Huckleberry Finn and Homer Price combined with Bridge to Teribithia. Pain. Laughs. Tears and smiles. It is a perfect story.