Tears of the Moon
by Nora Roberts
Penguin 2000
Book 2 of Irish Trilogy or Gallaghers of Ardmore
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.7 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- self-discovery
- creative expression
- friends-to-lovers
- fear of failure
- family and community
- destiny and choice
- Irish folklore and magic
- healing and vulnerability
About this book
In the Irish village of Ardmore, dreamy songwriter and pub cook Shawn Gallagher buries his talent behind a life of routine—until practical, fiery Brenna O’Toole pushes him to face his gifts and his heart. As the magic of the cliffs and the legend of a long-ago faerie couple weave through the town, Shawn must choose between safe complacency and the risky promise of love and music.
Setting: Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland; contemporary era—Gallagher’s Pub, seaside cliffs, cottages, and village lanes infused with Irish folklore
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tears of the Moon right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tears of the Moon. The reading level is AR 5.7, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include self-discovery, creative expression, friends-to-lovers. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Tears of the Moon?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tears of the Moon takes around 11h to finish. The book has 112,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tears of the Moon have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tears of the Moon has an AR quiz available, worth 16 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Tears of the Moon?
Tears of the Moon has an AR reading level of 5.7, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.