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Once in a Blue Moon
A beautiful and uplifting novel in verse about family, friendship, journeys that take us far from home and back again, renewed and more courageous from the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winner of The Skin I'm In!
James Henry used to be brave. He hasn't been the same since that fateful night at the lighthouse when his ma went searching for Dog. Now months later, he feels as small as the space between the numbers on a watch, nervous day and night, barely able to go outside. Even words have a hard time leaving his mouth. The only person he speaks to is Hattie, his courageous twin sister, who fiercely protects him, especially from bullies.
James Henry wants nothing more than to be brave again. However, finding his voice will mean confronting the truth about what happened at the lighthouse-a step James Henry isn't sure he can take. Until a blue moon is forecast, and as Gran has said, everything is possible under a rare blue moon . . .
* "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." — The Horn Book , starred review
James Henry used to be brave. He hasn't been the same since that fateful night at the lighthouse when his ma went searching for Dog. Now months later, he feels as small as the space between the numbers on a watch, nervous day and night, barely able to go outside. Even words have a hard time leaving his mouth. The only person he speaks to is Hattie, his courageous twin sister, who fiercely protects him, especially from bullies.
James Henry wants nothing more than to be brave again. However, finding his voice will mean confronting the truth about what happened at the lighthouse-a step James Henry isn't sure he can take. Until a blue moon is forecast, and as Gran has said, everything is possible under a rare blue moon . . .
* "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." — The Horn Book , starred review
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2023
About the author
Sharon G. Flake
25 books589 followersSharon G. Flake is the author of five books, The Skin I'm In (1998), Money Hungry (2002), Begging for Change (2003), Who Am I Without Him? Short Stories About Boys and the Girls in Their Lives (2004), Bang! (Sept. 2005), and her latest novel The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street (2007).
Her work is used in public and private schools around the nation, from elementary to high school, and is often required reading in colleges for students in education, child development, children's literature and English writing programs. Beyond that, her work is also a favorite among adults and adult book club readers.
Flake and her work have won numerous awards and recognitions including: Best Books for Young Adult Readers; Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers; the New York Public Library Top Ten Books for the Teen Age; 2005 featured author in the Ninth Book of Junior Authors & Illustrators; 2005 Capitol Choices; Noteworthy Books for Children; 2004 Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Book; 2004 Texas Lone Star Award for Top Ten Books; 2002, 2004 Coretta Scott King Honor Award; Pennsylvania Council of the Arts Grant; 2004 Bank Street Best of the Year; 2004 Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book; 2004 CCBC Choices; Booklist Top Ten Fantasy Book; 2004 Booklist Top Ten Romance Novels for Youth; 2004 Booklist Editor's Choice Award; 2003 Detroit Free LIbrary Author of the Year; 1999 YWCA Racial Justice Award; 1999 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Award and more.
Flake's work appears on the Anti-Defamation League's website which stresses the use of children's literature to help educators address the problem of bullying in schools.
Flake was born in Philadelphia, PA, but has resided in Pittsburgh, PA with her daughter for many years. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in English. For several years she was a youth counselor for a foster care agency, after which she spent 18 years working at the University of Pittsburgh in public relations. She has written numerous articles for national publications. Prior to having her first book published, she wrote for approximately 15 years.
Her work is used in public and private schools around the nation, from elementary to high school, and is often required reading in colleges for students in education, child development, children's literature and English writing programs. Beyond that, her work is also a favorite among adults and adult book club readers.
Flake and her work have won numerous awards and recognitions including: Best Books for Young Adult Readers; Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers; the New York Public Library Top Ten Books for the Teen Age; 2005 featured author in the Ninth Book of Junior Authors & Illustrators; 2005 Capitol Choices; Noteworthy Books for Children; 2004 Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Book; 2004 Texas Lone Star Award for Top Ten Books; 2002, 2004 Coretta Scott King Honor Award; Pennsylvania Council of the Arts Grant; 2004 Bank Street Best of the Year; 2004 Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book; 2004 CCBC Choices; Booklist Top Ten Fantasy Book; 2004 Booklist Top Ten Romance Novels for Youth; 2004 Booklist Editor's Choice Award; 2003 Detroit Free LIbrary Author of the Year; 1999 YWCA Racial Justice Award; 1999 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Award and more.
Flake's work appears on the Anti-Defamation League's website which stresses the use of children's literature to help educators address the problem of bullying in schools.
Flake was born in Philadelphia, PA, but has resided in Pittsburgh, PA with her daughter for many years. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in English. For several years she was a youth counselor for a foster care agency, after which she spent 18 years working at the University of Pittsburgh in public relations. She has written numerous articles for national publications. Prior to having her first book published, she wrote for approximately 15 years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 7, 2024
*libby app*
Have a soft spot for novels-in-verse, wasn't sure of them at first than one came in a book box during my birthday month and it seemed like a sign so I dug in :) It became a favorite of mine.
I've found a handful since then (and put them on my wishlist:) and I always jump on them whenever I can.
This one took a bit to get into but once I got invested, had to know how it ended.
I felt for James Henry and his sister. They've been through some stuff and it's hard on them and their family in different ways.
Henry James' path to forgive himself and find courage was a wonderful thing to see, him coming back to himself and everyone to be on the path to healing.
Would recommend:)
3.5 stars 🌟 🤩
Have a soft spot for novels-in-verse, wasn't sure of them at first than one came in a book box during my birthday month and it seemed like a sign so I dug in :) It became a favorite of mine.
I've found a handful since then (and put them on my wishlist:) and I always jump on them whenever I can.
This one took a bit to get into but once I got invested, had to know how it ended.
I felt for James Henry and his sister. They've been through some stuff and it's hard on them and their family in different ways.
Henry James' path to forgive himself and find courage was a wonderful thing to see, him coming back to himself and everyone to be on the path to healing.
Would recommend:)
3.5 stars 🌟 🤩
May 28, 2023
Set in 1939 North Carolina, young James Henry suffers from severe anxiety about going outside, ever since loosing a much loved dog, and his mother in the sea. But a blue moon is coming, and he and his sister are convinced if he can just make it to the lighthouse during the blue moon and wish, then his heart will be healed and he can enjoy outside.
But the journey to the lighthouse is fraught with danger from local bullies, to storms in a dark forest, to white men in pickup trucks with rifles.
Themes of space exploration, grief, and connection weave together in a powerful narrative those who love verse novels wont want to miss.
But the journey to the lighthouse is fraught with danger from local bullies, to storms in a dark forest, to white men in pickup trucks with rifles.
Themes of space exploration, grief, and connection weave together in a powerful narrative those who love verse novels wont want to miss.
July 26, 2023
Young James Henry opens up his world to us, sharing how a life-altering moment has transformed him from a courageous child to a young boy who refuses to leave his home out of fear. He is not alone in navigating his big feelings. Always nearby is his brave twin sister, Hattie, and his Gran.
This may sound simple, or even cliche, but I cannot remember a time whenever I describe a book in this way, so let me just say it: This book is special!
Exquisitely written in verse, Sharon G. Flake gifts readers with a heartfelt story and enchanting characters that awaken the child in all of us. Jame Henry’s inner dialogue that conveys emotions in such warm, honest, and thoughtful ways that ring true for anyone who has lived with anxiety.
Flake interweaves a wide range of societal issues and lived experiences (including, segregation, friendships, family relationships, and more) with such effortlessness; nothing feels forced or overdone, while leaving room for readers to reflect, process, and unpack their own thoughts.
This is arguably Flake’s best literary work yet, which is saying a lot considering the accolades she’s garnered over the years. Indeed this is a book that belongs in classrooms, libraries, and bookshelves, but most importantly, it belongs in readers’ hands!
This may sound simple, or even cliche, but I cannot remember a time whenever I describe a book in this way, so let me just say it: This book is special!
Exquisitely written in verse, Sharon G. Flake gifts readers with a heartfelt story and enchanting characters that awaken the child in all of us. Jame Henry’s inner dialogue that conveys emotions in such warm, honest, and thoughtful ways that ring true for anyone who has lived with anxiety.
Flake interweaves a wide range of societal issues and lived experiences (including, segregation, friendships, family relationships, and more) with such effortlessness; nothing feels forced or overdone, while leaving room for readers to reflect, process, and unpack their own thoughts.
This is arguably Flake’s best literary work yet, which is saying a lot considering the accolades she’s garnered over the years. Indeed this is a book that belongs in classrooms, libraries, and bookshelves, but most importantly, it belongs in readers’ hands!
November 28, 2023
Hated it at first but the ending was good, so that’s why it is 4 stars.
July 16, 2023
The night James Henry sneaked away to the lighthouse and the ensuing accident when Ma, going after him, lost her footing and fell in the water, set off a catastrophic chain of events.
Ma and Daddy are living up North, Ma is in a hospital and Daddy is working in Detroit to make money so she can get better. Twins John Henry and Hattie are living with Gram but John Henry has not left the house since the accident, sometimes even hiding under the table, not speaking to anyone other than Hattie; Hattie has become his protector and his voice. The only place he goes—with Hattie and her birds—is on the roof in their “spaceship,” reenacting the exploits of his radio hero Buck Rogers of the “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” radio show. His uncle—his mother’s twin—turned on him after the accident. And the neighboring Baker boys have become dangerous bullies.
The first change in their new lives occurs when Lottie Jean, daughter of a dentist and, in her mind, a source of back luck, moves in and Hattie finally has a friend. James Henry doesn’t like anyone around but he learns to accept her and Lottie Jean learns how to deal with him on his own terms. And Hattie is working hard to get John Henry to leave the house and go out in the world. She loves him but has been offered a chance to go to school in Philadelphia, leaving behind the racially segregated and dangerous South of the 1930’s.
“You think I can go off to school
with you forever inside the house?
No friends to speak of?
Ma and Daddy gone?” (156)
Sister has a plan. If only she can get James Henry back to the scene of the accident under the blue moon and find his courage again.
“When a blue moon shows up
everything
is
set
right
again.
“Even you, James Henry.” (29)
She tries and tries to entice him to come out of the house to no avail. But on the day of the blue moon, he does come out and Hattie, Lottie Jean, and James Henry hitch a ride to town with the two white widows and start through the woods to the light house; they find themselves pursued by two white men with guns and the Baker boys.
“Out here in these parts
anything can happen.
So
when I stiffen up
freeze inside and out
like ice on Mars
I don’t get mad at myself. (188)
On this treacherous two-day journey, James Henry proves himself to be courageous—and compassionate (when one of the meanest Baker becomes extremely injured), and, by the time they reach the lighthouse, he is ready to revisit and share his story of that fateful night, a story that provides healing and mends relationships.
Author Sharon Flake’s powerful story, told in free verse through James Henry’s narration, is a story of mystery and adventure, family and peer relationships, bullying and friendship, fear and courage, loss and recovery.
Ma and Daddy are living up North, Ma is in a hospital and Daddy is working in Detroit to make money so she can get better. Twins John Henry and Hattie are living with Gram but John Henry has not left the house since the accident, sometimes even hiding under the table, not speaking to anyone other than Hattie; Hattie has become his protector and his voice. The only place he goes—with Hattie and her birds—is on the roof in their “spaceship,” reenacting the exploits of his radio hero Buck Rogers of the “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” radio show. His uncle—his mother’s twin—turned on him after the accident. And the neighboring Baker boys have become dangerous bullies.
The first change in their new lives occurs when Lottie Jean, daughter of a dentist and, in her mind, a source of back luck, moves in and Hattie finally has a friend. James Henry doesn’t like anyone around but he learns to accept her and Lottie Jean learns how to deal with him on his own terms. And Hattie is working hard to get John Henry to leave the house and go out in the world. She loves him but has been offered a chance to go to school in Philadelphia, leaving behind the racially segregated and dangerous South of the 1930’s.
“You think I can go off to school
with you forever inside the house?
No friends to speak of?
Ma and Daddy gone?” (156)
Sister has a plan. If only she can get James Henry back to the scene of the accident under the blue moon and find his courage again.
“When a blue moon shows up
everything
is
set
right
again.
“Even you, James Henry.” (29)
She tries and tries to entice him to come out of the house to no avail. But on the day of the blue moon, he does come out and Hattie, Lottie Jean, and James Henry hitch a ride to town with the two white widows and start through the woods to the light house; they find themselves pursued by two white men with guns and the Baker boys.
“Out here in these parts
anything can happen.
So
when I stiffen up
freeze inside and out
like ice on Mars
I don’t get mad at myself. (188)
On this treacherous two-day journey, James Henry proves himself to be courageous—and compassionate (when one of the meanest Baker becomes extremely injured), and, by the time they reach the lighthouse, he is ready to revisit and share his story of that fateful night, a story that provides healing and mends relationships.
Author Sharon Flake’s powerful story, told in free verse through James Henry’s narration, is a story of mystery and adventure, family and peer relationships, bullying and friendship, fear and courage, loss and recovery.
July 19, 2023
Novel in verse. James Henry used to be a lot of things, but ever since the incident at the lighthouse with Mama, he's become agoraphobic and has a social phobia; he only leaves the house after dark, and only when necessary, and hides if anyone other than his brave sister Hattie or his grandmother come into the house. A family of bullying boys down the road manage to make his life a misery even so, and even with Hattie always flying to his defense. James Henry knows things will have to change--Hattie needs to go to a better school, out of town, and James Henry needs to find his mojo again, like the captain of the spaceship he and Hattie play all the time, with all sorts of extraplanetary adventures. When a blue moon is forecast, it seems like the moment for facing his fear by going to the lighthouse--but it's not going to be easy.
I liked the first part of this, with such vividly drawn characters and such expert unspooling of what happened to James Henry, and what's happening to him now. I loved his fascination with space, and all the associated details, and I loved fierce Hattie standing up for her brother. Where the story lost me, though, was when they set out for the lighthouse. I got so confused about what was happening, how they managed to get lost in the woods, how the bullies managed to find them, how they were all under threat from local Klansmen, etc., when apparently the lighthouse was close enough that James Henry was able to get there on his own the afternoon of the incident. How do you get lost in the woods for what seemed like days when your goal is just down the road? So this ended up as 2.5 stars for me, unfortunately. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
I liked the first part of this, with such vividly drawn characters and such expert unspooling of what happened to James Henry, and what's happening to him now. I loved his fascination with space, and all the associated details, and I loved fierce Hattie standing up for her brother. Where the story lost me, though, was when they set out for the lighthouse. I got so confused about what was happening, how they managed to get lost in the woods, how the bullies managed to find them, how they were all under threat from local Klansmen, etc., when apparently the lighthouse was close enough that James Henry was able to get there on his own the afternoon of the incident. How do you get lost in the woods for what seemed like days when your goal is just down the road? So this ended up as 2.5 stars for me, unfortunately. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
The first lines in this novel introduces readers to James Henry, the preteen protagonist laden with guilt over a traumatic event involving his mom, the neighborhood dog and the great outdoors. The aftermath of the event has left James Henry ‘frozen’, physically, mentally, and emotionally, or what James Henry calls, “my condition.” House bound, James Henry lives life through the lens of windowpanes, Hattie his twin sister’s experiences, letters to dad, and the star lit sky. At night, “On my back on top the roof laying on a blanket with my toes aimed at the sky, “is when peace finds James Henry. One day, a letter arrives from father inspiring James Henry to ‘step’ into his father’s shoes. Each step James Henry took, drew him closer to being unstuck or like the Pole Star. In that moment, with Sister whispering to him, “there’s a way out if you take it” and it only happens, once in a blue moon. With his twin nearby and North Carolina dirt under his feet… James Henry makes a decision. Sharon G. Flake writes this book, naming the main Character after her father, so, it is filled with the wit and aspirations embedded within the characters, that she grew up, experiencing in her familial relationships.
July 25, 2024
"Once in a Blue Moon" revolves around James Henry, who has been struggling with severe anxiety and panic attacks ever since the night his mother went into the sea at the lighthouse. Unable to leave the house or talk to people, James relies heavily on his feisty twin sister, Hattie Mae, who constantly protects him from neighborhood bullies and their unsympathetic uncle.
Despite Hattie's unwavering support, the lack of a local doctor leaves James with limited options for recovery. To reclaim his life, he must confront the truth about what happened at the lighthouse, a daunting task he is unsure he can handle. However, with a blue moon on the horizon and his Gran’s belief that anything is possible under its rare occurrence, James finds a glimmer of hope.
Told in verse, "Once in a Blue Moon" is intended to be a beautiful and uplifting story of family, healing, and redemption. Unfortunately, I didn't really connect with this book. Despite its potential, the narrative felt slow, and not much seemed to happen throughout the entire story. The pacing was too sluggish for my taste, making it a rather boring read. While the themes of family and healing are important, the execution left me wanting more in terms of engagement and plot development.
Despite Hattie's unwavering support, the lack of a local doctor leaves James with limited options for recovery. To reclaim his life, he must confront the truth about what happened at the lighthouse, a daunting task he is unsure he can handle. However, with a blue moon on the horizon and his Gran’s belief that anything is possible under its rare occurrence, James finds a glimmer of hope.
Told in verse, "Once in a Blue Moon" is intended to be a beautiful and uplifting story of family, healing, and redemption. Unfortunately, I didn't really connect with this book. Despite its potential, the narrative felt slow, and not much seemed to happen throughout the entire story. The pacing was too sluggish for my taste, making it a rather boring read. While the themes of family and healing are important, the execution left me wanting more in terms of engagement and plot development.
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July 19, 2023The wonderful Sharon G. Flake does it again! In her unique verse she tells the story of twins living in the South. James Henry experienced a tragedy while visiting a local lighthouse. It was a favorite place he loved to visit with his mother, but this time Dog runs off and his mother ends up in the ocean and almost drowns. Now she is in the North recovering from the accident.
James Henry and his twin sister Hattie are staying with their Granny. James Henry hasn't left the house since the accident. Hattie is hoping the magic of the upcoming blue moon will help give her brother the courage to leave the house and perhaps even visit the lighthouse again.
In addition to regaining his courage, James Henry is dealing with some local bullies, the guilt he feels about his mother's accident, and regaining the trust of his uncle and Granny. Hattie helps as much as she can, but it is really up to James Henry to face his fears.
The story of the accident is revealed slowly as readers meet the twins and learn about their lives and family. Tension builds as James Henry steps out of his comfort zone to start living bravely again.
James Henry and his twin sister Hattie are staying with their Granny. James Henry hasn't left the house since the accident. Hattie is hoping the magic of the upcoming blue moon will help give her brother the courage to leave the house and perhaps even visit the lighthouse again.
In addition to regaining his courage, James Henry is dealing with some local bullies, the guilt he feels about his mother's accident, and regaining the trust of his uncle and Granny. Hattie helps as much as she can, but it is really up to James Henry to face his fears.
The story of the accident is revealed slowly as readers meet the twins and learn about their lives and family. Tension builds as James Henry steps out of his comfort zone to start living bravely again.
August 24, 2023
In this verse novel set in the Jim Crow South, eleven year old James Henry refuses to leave the house or speak to anyone but his twin sister and Gran after a terrible incident that hurt his mother and caused his father to move North to help get her the care she needs. Even James Henry's beloved uncle has turned his back on James Henry.
But when Hattie Mae realizes a blue moon is coming, she hopes to get James Henry to return to the scene of the incident so he can use the wish Powe rof the blue moon to push back his fears, allowing him to take part in life again. This will allow Hattie Mae to feel secure in James Henry's growth, letting her head off to a girls school in Philadelphia.
Despite grave concerns, James Henry funds himself making his way with his sister and her new friend, Lottie Jean, toward the old lighthouse. But they run across the Baker brothers, who delight in tormenting James Henry. Then a detour brings the trio to the attention of a group of white men who mean them harm.
Hattie Mae is determined to help her brother overcome his "condition", but James Henry isn't sure such a thing is possible.
But when Hattie Mae realizes a blue moon is coming, she hopes to get James Henry to return to the scene of the incident so he can use the wish Powe rof the blue moon to push back his fears, allowing him to take part in life again. This will allow Hattie Mae to feel secure in James Henry's growth, letting her head off to a girls school in Philadelphia.
Despite grave concerns, James Henry funds himself making his way with his sister and her new friend, Lottie Jean, toward the old lighthouse. But they run across the Baker brothers, who delight in tormenting James Henry. Then a detour brings the trio to the attention of a group of white men who mean them harm.
Hattie Mae is determined to help her brother overcome his "condition", but James Henry isn't sure such a thing is possible.
July 22, 2024
After almost drowning while trying to save his mother, James Henry no longer leaves the house or speaks to anyone other than his twin sister, Hattie. Hattie spends a lot of energy protecting her brother from the bullies who like to harass him, even when he finally finds the courage to venture outdoors again and set on an important journey. As always with anything by Sharon Flake, the characters are nuanced, and the dilemmas they face realistic. The novel in verse format works well for this particular story of survival and hope, one that is relatable because of its focus and the aftermath of surviving the worst possible thing imaginable. What then? There are parts of this story that will make readers' hearts ache, and some parts that are confusing, but overall, the importance of family and believing in oneself shines through. And oh, those loyal, trained birds of Hattie's--especially Nutcracker! I had a lump in my throat in one particularly shocking scene.
August 26, 2023
James Henry can’t bring himself to leave his house ever since that night at the lighthouse with Ma. He lives in the south during Jim Crow with his twin sister and his Gran. Gran and his sister Hattie Mae encourage him to face his fears during the upcoming night of the blue moon. When James finally works up the courage to leave the house with Hattie and her new friend Lottie, they encounter the Baker brothers who bully them, have a near-miss with white supremacists, and encounter a few kind strangers on their trip back to the lighthouse to make sense of the event that changed their family. A powerful story told in verse.
January 7, 2024
5 stars
James Henry hasn't left the house since he nearly drowned trying to save his mother (he succeeded but not without cost to them both) His twin Hattie Mae is encouraging him to return to the lighthouse where the accident took place during the blue moon to help him move through his grief. She needs him to be more like himself because she is planning on attending a school in Philadelphia and will no longer be there to protect him. For the first time in a long time, Hattie Mae is finding a new friend, Lottie, who may be the best thing ever to happen to the siblings since their mother's accident.
James Henry hasn't left the house since he nearly drowned trying to save his mother (he succeeded but not without cost to them both) His twin Hattie Mae is encouraging him to return to the lighthouse where the accident took place during the blue moon to help him move through his grief. She needs him to be more like himself because she is planning on attending a school in Philadelphia and will no longer be there to protect him. For the first time in a long time, Hattie Mae is finding a new friend, Lottie, who may be the best thing ever to happen to the siblings since their mother's accident.
March 5, 2024
Juvenile Fiction. Novel in verse. Coastal North Carolina during Segregation in 1939. A traumatic event at the beach occurred the previous year that has affected 11 year old James Henry’s ability to communicate and go outside his home. He loves listening to the sci fi Buck Rogers radio show. He is very knowledgeable about astronomy and science. He only communicates with his twin sister, Hattie, who protects and stands up against his bullies. The twins reside with their Gran. Their father works in Detroit and their mother is recuperating in a hospital up North. Gran is hoping with the blue moon that James Henry can make peace with what occurred last year. Recommend for Grades 4-6.
April 23, 2023
NetGalley ARC Educator 550974
A wonderful book of protry. It invokes emotions and feelings that will have you clutching your chest and wiping your eyes. The story is a hauntingly beautiful one. Thank God for sisters and family, that love and protect you.
A wonderful book of protry. It invokes emotions and feelings that will have you clutching your chest and wiping your eyes. The story is a hauntingly beautiful one. Thank God for sisters and family, that love and protect you.
May 1, 2023
I'm not usually a fan of verse, but I connected with this story. While I enjoyed it as an adult, I'm not sure how a middle grade reader would interpret it.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 20, 2023
John Henry experienced some sort of trauma which has kept him mute and in the house for nearly a year. About the time of the blue moon, his twin sister and a friend talk him into returning to the scene and wishing all to be well. Adventures along the way seem to be more healing than anything else.
December 4, 2023
rating: g+ for bullying. no profanity, no sex
recommend: 3rd -8th
some novels in verse sound like prose. you don't know they are written like a poem until you see them.
some are lyrical and lovely - this is the latter. Flake writes beautifully, this sweet story about family and determination and healing and growing. and she keeps the plot points hidden well, it took some time for me to figure out what the roots of the story were. I highly recommend as a gently diverse story.
recommend: 3rd -8th
some novels in verse sound like prose. you don't know they are written like a poem until you see them.
some are lyrical and lovely - this is the latter. Flake writes beautifully, this sweet story about family and determination and healing and growing. and she keeps the plot points hidden well, it took some time for me to figure out what the roots of the story were. I highly recommend as a gently diverse story.
December 23, 2023
This book seemed like it belonged in the same world as "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry."
I think I didn't enjoy this as much as I could have because I read it in snippets here and there. I think I grew weary of the teasing of the big event that was revealed near the end.
I think I didn't enjoy this as much as I could have because I read it in snippets here and there. I think I grew weary of the teasing of the big event that was revealed near the end.
April 26, 2023
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Historical novel in verse dealing with family trauma and a young boy with agoraphobia.
Historical novel in verse dealing with family trauma and a young boy with agoraphobia.
July 22, 2023
A lovely book of verse. The love of the sky.
August 8, 2023
A beautifully written book about a boy dealing with trauma and his close relationship with his sister. Written in poetry, it is a moving and absorbing book.
August 20, 2023
Thank you Libro.fm for the educator's opportunity.
Lyrical, quick pace.
Suggestion: Read the author's note first. It provides valuable context for readers.
Lyrical, quick pace.
Suggestion: Read the author's note first. It provides valuable context for readers.
August 22, 2023
Sharon G. Flake is peace and love just like this book. I wish I had this book to share years ago with my students.
August 24, 2023
I love the way this family loved and cared for each other. The twins had a very special relationship.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
September 10, 2023Made it 1/4 through but I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe because I was reading on audio?
October 9, 2023
Took a long time to find out why John Henry struggled so...
October 29, 2023
James is traumatized after witnessing his pet dog and mother drown. He hardly speaks except to his sister. They both decide to go to the beach where their mother had died.
November 1, 2023
I love verse novels, but not so much as audiobooks. This one wasn't my favorite.
November 21, 2023
A nice verse novel, and I’m glad I read it as an adult. Not sure my kids would be into it as it’s marketed toward middle level readers, but a sweet brother-sister tale!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews