The Middle Moffat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 
First edition
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| Author | Eleanor Estes |
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| Illustrator | Louis Slobodkin |
| Series | The Moffats |
| Genre | Children's Novel |
| Publisher | Harcourt, Brace & World |
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Publication date
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1942 |
| ISBN | 9780152025298 |
| Preceded by | The Moffats |
| Followed by | Rufus M. |
The Middle Moffat is a fun children's book by Eleanor Estes. It's the second story in "The Moffats" series. This book came out in 1942 and was even recognized as a Newbery Honor book! The story is about Janey Moffat, who is ten years old. She feels a bit lost because she's not the oldest or the youngest of her three siblings. So, she decides to call herself the "Middle Moffat" to feel special. The Moffats live in a small town called Cranbury, Connecticut. The story happens during World War I.
Janey's New Identity
Ten-year-old Janey Moffat is ready for a fresh start. Her family moves into a new house. Janey decides this is the perfect time to create a new, exciting identity for herself. She names herself "the mysterious Middle Moffat."
She also makes friends with the oldest man in Cranbury. Janey secretly decides to protect him. She wants to make sure he lives to be one hundred years old!
School, Sports, and Books
Janey starts at a new school and begins making new friends. A big part of the book shows her growing and finding her own way. She wants to make her family, the Moffats, proud.
Janey decides she needs to win the basketball championship. She wants to do it all by herself! She also has to deal with her stockings constantly falling down. Her hair also keeps getting in her mouth.
Janey also makes a big goal for herself. She plans to read every single book in the library. This includes books she might not find very interesting, like "The Story of Lumber."
Adventures and Growing Up
The book shares many of Janey's adventures over the next year. Each chapter tells a different story. Through these experiences, Janey learns important lessons. She learns about friendship and what it means to be responsible.
The Middle Moffat celebrates how kids start to become more independent. It shows them moving away from always needing their family's security.
Book Formats
You can find The Middle Moffat in different ways. It is available as an audio CD. This version is from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. You can also find it in Braille and as an eBook. These versions are from Harcourt Brace and Co.
