Moonboy

When a strange boy called Keith pops up from nowhere in Letty’s bedroom and accuses her of invading his room, Letty is astonished – but things get even stranger when she realises she is caught up in an incredible adventure, able to slip back and forth in time!

Keith lives in the world of 1969 and Letty joins in the thrill and excitement of the first astronauts about to land on the moon.

But when she discovers her trips to the past are changing history, she starts to worry. What if something she says or does causes a disaster – or even messes up the moon landing?!

Awards

ARA Historical Novel Prize CYA shortlist 2025

Primary Fiction Book of the Month, Lamont Books, March 2025

Pick of the Month, Dymocks Primary Focus Newsletter, March 2025

Reviews

“This is a wonderful fresh take for older readers on the ‘Back to the Future’ concept…deals with the future, gender roles, aging and loss, all deftly handled in a pacy entertaining story”

From the judges of the ARA Historical Novel Prize

“A time slip novel full of excitement, you’ll feel like you are moving through time yourself, as you devour the short chapters and fast moving storyline. The story is a nostalgic journey to a much simpler time full of milk bars, newspaper deliveries, lolly bags for a few cents, transistor radios, marbles, hopscotch and handheld school bells. This was all intertwined with genuine moments of friendship, family, connection, change and loss.”

From middlegrademusings

‘With admirable attention to historical detail, Ciddor cleverly uses excerpts from radio and TV broadcasts of the time to capture the thrill and tension of the moon landing, catapulting readers right into the action. And isn’t that what all good time-slip novels do? Bring the excitement and fascination of long-gone times to life for the current generation? To broaden understanding and open discussions? In Moonboy, Anna Ciddor achieves this perfectly.

‘But Moonboy is so much more than a riveting time-slip adventure. It’s a sensitively-written novel about dealing with dementia, gently exploring the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one before they’re truly gone. It’s about growing up and seeing people for who they really are, and the power of love and understanding. The result is a moving blend of history and family that’s sure to enchant readers. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers, ages 8-12.’

From Jenny Ruge in Storylinks

‘Moonboy, by Anna Ciddor is a beautifully created story that blends history, magic and personal growth in an enchanting way. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Charlotte, the novel explores themes of family, memory and self-discovery, with a touch of magical realism…a heartfelt and thought-provoking read that reminds us of the power of love, memory and understanding. Anna Ciddor masterfully weaves together history and fiction, making this book perfect for young readers who enjoy emotionally rich and historically engaging stories.’

From Michelle O’Connell at ReadPlus

‘This is a wonderful timeslip novel from brilliant Australian author, Anna Ciddor, that gives us a look at life in 1969 at the time of the moon landing…This is close up of what life was like in 1969 and the huge changes that have occurred since then, especially in technology, but also to things like behaviour, family life and schooling that will make the kids of today think. The story also handles Grampa’s dementia and how Letty, now Charlotte, brings a spark back into Grampa’s life when she shares his memories and special treasure box items. This is a wonderful read, with a historical setting and themes that will open discussions on many topics, this is a great book for readers aged 9 to 12 years.’

From Rob at Lamont Books

‘This is not just historical fiction, nor time-slip adventure, it’s a warm and moving story about the connection between granddaughter and grandfather, and how the littlest reminder can trigger a whole big wonderful explosion of joy and love. Able readers from 9 years upwards will thoroughly enjoy this one and I happily give it an out-of-this-world 5 🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑rating.’

From Sue Warren at losangzopa.blog

‘Moonboy is another fantastic time slip novel from Anna Ciddor… relationships that make the novel shine, that show Letty who she really is and what it means when people accept you for who you are without judgement…Anna Ciddor’s story explores history and family in delicate and emotional ways…The poignancy of this is on equal footing with 1969 Keith’s wonderful use of old Australian sayings and adages that give this book its unique Australian flavour’

From Ashleigh Meikle in The Book Muse

‘This is the latest of Anna Ciddor’s delightful time slip novels…The scenes in 1969, with the moon landing approaching, are fun, especially for people like me who were there…Highly recommended for readers 9-12.’

From Sue Bursztynski in The Great Raven

‘a heartwarming read about family, memories, and courage…The book also touches on dementia, making it a thoughtful read for younger audiences navigating similar experiences with loved ones… a gentle, enjoyable story with plenty of learning opportunities.’

From Sally at illreadmyownway

‘It’s always nice to read one of Anna Ciddor’s books because they are really carefully put together and tell a really unique and interesting story.’

From the Youtube review by Stef at Kid Lit Joy

‘This story would make a great fiction resource for any middle grade study of the 1969 moon landing as it shows the excitement of the landing itself and also things that didn’t go quite as planned… In the rear of the book are more interesting facts about the moon landing, given young readers even more information to use in projects or enjoy for their own interests. My favourite theme in the book is the intergenerational relationship between Letty and her grandfather, and how she broke through his dementia with items from his childhood.’

From Whatbooknext.com

‘Equal parts excitement, suspense and heart as well as these fabulous settings… It would make a great text for schools…a great basis for learning about dementia as well as… the moon landing…Anna has included actual speech from the astronauts… pulled in historical details really well. I really enjoyed it! It’s great for that upper primary age.’

From Middle Grade Mavens Podcast Episode 122, about 12 minutes in

‘Cleverly plotted and well supported by afterwords, Moonboy is as valuable for its exploration of the prevailing attitudes as for facts…’

From the NZ Listener Best New Releases for Young Bookworms