Joel dares his best friend, Tony, to a swimming race in a dangerous river. Both boys jump in, but when Joel reaches the sandbar, he finds Tony has ...
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Dec 16, 2009
Wordsmith
rated it: 
"On My Honor" was always a kids' book that was personal to me. The author, Marion Dane Bauer, was raised in the same small town as my mother; Oglesby, Illinois. The events in the book are based on an actual young boy's drowning that took place when my mother and the author were both children. I grew up playing around the Vermillion River, the same river that is responsible for the life-changing events and eventual coming of age focused on in this very deep book about pain and growing
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Dec 04, 2011
Lyn
rated it: 
The part about the drowning and Joel's emotions was very boring and long-winded. I was actually quite tempted to stop reading it but I pushed on as the book won an award. The only good part was when Joel confessed. It was very touching and tears rolled down my cheeks when I read that part.
Also, the book was short and it was mainly about what Joel thought and what he felt, so the actual action was only a teeny part of the SHORT book. I mean, that's important too, but you don't have to More...
Also, the book was short and it was mainly about what Joel thought and what he felt, so the actual action was only a teeny part of the SHORT book. I mean, that's important too, but you don't have to More...
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Nov 12, 2011
Michelle
rated it: 
Joel didn’t want to ride out to Starved Rock Bluffs, let alone climb them, but Tony wouldn’t leave him alone. He talked his dad into giving him permission, hoping the whole time that he wouldn’t succeed. But his dad said yes, and the boys set off on their bikes, and Tony stopped at the bridge over the river. Tony went into the river. And Tony never came out.
Guilt is eating Joel alive. When his parents – and when Tony’s parents – start asking questions, Joel avoids them. But he c More...
Guilt is eating Joel alive. When his parents – and when Tony’s parents – start asking questions, Joel avoids them. But he c More...
Nov 05, 2011
Megan
rated it: 
Read it when I was younger, tried again, not worth my time. Why did this get an award anyways? If you can summarize the general plot of a book in 2-3 simple sentences, it doesn't sound worth publishing. Or reading. Or an award, for that matter.
*SPOILERS*
Plot:
Two kids decide that they want to hang out one day, and they have a race across a river. One kid can't swim, and he drowns, and the other kid has to tell his family what happened.
...
really?
That's it?
.. More...
*SPOILERS*
Plot:
Two kids decide that they want to hang out one day, and they have a race across a river. One kid can't swim, and he drowns, and the other kid has to tell his family what happened.
...
really?
That's it?
.. More...
Oct 28, 2010
Amccall
rated it:
“On My Honor” by Marion Dane Bauer is a short Newbery Honor award-winning novel. Joel and Tony were best friends having an adventurous summer between 6th and 7th grade. Joel asks his dad if they could go and bike to Starved Rock which was Tony's idea of fun to climb the cliffs. Joel's dad had questioned many things and seemed to hesitate. When Joel promises they would go no where but the park his father says yes and they began on their way through the baking hot sun. When they were crossin
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Mar 21, 2010
Kellylou
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Mar 09, 2010
Amanda
rated it:
This is a very short book, around 85 pages, but that doesn't mean it is a light or easy read.
Two boys aged about twelve are friends trying to figure out how to spend a summer day together. Neither one of them is able to be honest with the other, or their parents, about what they want to do. This leads to resentment, dares, bravado and ultimately tragedy. It is in how the tragedy is handled rather than the tragedy itself, that gives the book its weight and complexity. I would imagine that More...
Two boys aged about twelve are friends trying to figure out how to spend a summer day together. Neither one of them is able to be honest with the other, or their parents, about what they want to do. This leads to resentment, dares, bravado and ultimately tragedy. It is in how the tragedy is handled rather than the tragedy itself, that gives the book its weight and complexity. I would imagine that More...
Mar 04, 2010
Alison
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
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Nov 30, 2009
Katie
rated it:
On My Honor
4 out of 5 stars
Bauer’s book touches on some very real issues. The text is the size of an adult book, but the high amount of dialogue helps the reader to gain interest. The author uses descriptive text, and her choice of words really help the reader to paint a clear picture. When talking about Tony getting into the water, Bauer uses the words plunged and thrashing to help the reader paint a mental picture of the struggling swimmer. The emotions it evokes, in m More...
4 out of 5 stars
Bauer’s book touches on some very real issues. The text is the size of an adult book, but the high amount of dialogue helps the reader to gain interest. The author uses descriptive text, and her choice of words really help the reader to paint a clear picture. When talking about Tony getting into the water, Bauer uses the words plunged and thrashing to help the reader paint a mental picture of the struggling swimmer. The emotions it evokes, in m More...
Nov 26, 2009
Matt
rated it:
Grades 4th -6th
Joel, age twelve, has reluctantly agreed to bike out to Staved Rock state park with his friend Tony. Joel promises his father,” On his honor”, that he will be careful. Tony has the idea that he wants to climb the dangerous bluffs once they get to the park. However, when they were about half way to Starved Rock and very tired of riding their bikes, the boys come across a bridge that crosses the Vermilion River and decide to take a swim. The water in the river is tur More...
Oct 17, 2011
Sherri
rated it:
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Adventure
Rating: **** This is a tragic story that will make you think about life, death, honor, and making good choices. The author writes about a difficult subject with understanding and compassion
Summary: Joel and Tony are best friends. They have grown up together and even though they are very different they enjoy spending time together. The story takes place over a period of just one day. Once again Tony’s mischievous personality leads J More...
Rating: **** This is a tragic story that will make you think about life, death, honor, and making good choices. The author writes about a difficult subject with understanding and compassion
Summary: Joel and Tony are best friends. They have grown up together and even though they are very different they enjoy spending time together. The story takes place over a period of just one day. Once again Tony’s mischievous personality leads J More...
Nov 12, 2009
Casey
rated it:
Reading level: 5-7. The story may be too graphic for some 5th graders. The story line is rather adult-related.
Bauer, again, doesn't have a lot of illustrations to work within the story. The cover clearly shows two boys riding their bikes. This is something that is done often in the story, and we will assume that it's Tony and Joel. The text in the story is rather easy to read and has a bold, bright appearance. The book is written as a chapter book, but the chapters are most More...
Bauer, again, doesn't have a lot of illustrations to work within the story. The cover clearly shows two boys riding their bikes. This is something that is done often in the story, and we will assume that it's Tony and Joel. The text in the story is rather easy to read and has a bold, bright appearance. The book is written as a chapter book, but the chapters are most More...
May 25, 2010
Shally
rated it:
Copyright: 1986
Number of Pages: 89
Summary:
Tony and Joel have been best friends ever since they were born because their parents are great friends. They grew up doing everything together even though sometimes they might have not even liked being alone. They were each other's greatest cheerleader and greatest competition. One day they convince Joel's dad to let them take more than a 10 mile bike ride to go to a park on the conditions that they will only go to the park and th More...
Number of Pages: 89
Summary:
Tony and Joel have been best friends ever since they were born because their parents are great friends. They grew up doing everything together even though sometimes they might have not even liked being alone. They were each other's greatest cheerleader and greatest competition. One day they convince Joel's dad to let them take more than a 10 mile bike ride to go to a park on the conditions that they will only go to the park and th More...
Nov 14, 2009
Leslie
rated it:
4th grade- 8th grades
Bauer used many emotions when writing this book, she captured the attention right in the beginning when Bauer talks about how Tony’s life is not very good how his bike is not as good as Joel’s and how Tony’s home life isn’t good either. Bauer also puts a lot of emotions when Joel turns around and can’t find Tony. He first is angry because he thinks that Tony is playing a trick and then becomes scared and worried because he realizes that something bad has happened. W More...
Bauer used many emotions when writing this book, she captured the attention right in the beginning when Bauer talks about how Tony’s life is not very good how his bike is not as good as Joel’s and how Tony’s home life isn’t good either. Bauer also puts a lot of emotions when Joel turns around and can’t find Tony. He first is angry because he thinks that Tony is playing a trick and then becomes scared and worried because he realizes that something bad has happened. W More...
Nov 15, 2009
Nathaniel
rated it:
5th/6th grades on up (ind. reading)
Bauer provides children with topics that will no doubt provoke them toward extensive classroom discussions. What is laid on the line are the themes of honor, trust, and consequences of people's actions. This is a solid book to introduce into the classroom. It will expand on the children's vocabulary, is easy to follow along, and the story itself should pull in the reader's attention. Along the way, there is plenty to discuss, and such a story will p More...
Bauer provides children with topics that will no doubt provoke them toward extensive classroom discussions. What is laid on the line are the themes of honor, trust, and consequences of people's actions. This is a solid book to introduce into the classroom. It will expand on the children's vocabulary, is easy to follow along, and the story itself should pull in the reader's attention. Along the way, there is plenty to discuss, and such a story will p More...
Feb 23, 2011
L11_Page
rated it:
This was a very powerful read and gave me many things to think about as a parent. Joel's dad gives permission for he and his best friend, Tony, to ride their bikes to Starved Rock Park and back. Joel was sure he'd say no and is dreading the ride. Not wanting to appear scared, they leave for the park. Tony stops at the Vermillion River wanting to swim. Again, Joel agrees because he's 12, despite his warnings to Tony about the strong current, smelly water and promise to his dad to only go to
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Nov 12, 2009
Tami
rated it:
6th Grade and Up: Independent Reading
Marion Dane Bauer beautifully writes of a boy’s journey through a complex set of emotions following the death of his best friend, an event most children do not have to face during their childhood. I was moved by Bauer’s insight on Joel’s emotions, especially his feelings of anger; at times like this it is common for one to lash out in perverse ways like Joel does towards his brother. The book, although only 90 pages and a quick read, contains es More...
Marion Dane Bauer beautifully writes of a boy’s journey through a complex set of emotions following the death of his best friend, an event most children do not have to face during their childhood. I was moved by Bauer’s insight on Joel’s emotions, especially his feelings of anger; at times like this it is common for one to lash out in perverse ways like Joel does towards his brother. The book, although only 90 pages and a quick read, contains es More...
May 28, 2009
Philip
rated it:
Our LA teacher has some of the 7th graders read this book and he gave it to me, telling me it's a quick read. It was. I read it in about half an hour to 45 minutes.
The story revolves around 2 boys, Tony and Joel. Joel is the safe, conservative one, while Tony is a little bit rougher around the edges. Joel's father gives him some instructions as to what he's allowed to do, but he feels peer pressured to ignore them and has to deal with the consequences, whatever they may be.
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The story revolves around 2 boys, Tony and Joel. Joel is the safe, conservative one, while Tony is a little bit rougher around the edges. Joel's father gives him some instructions as to what he's allowed to do, but he feels peer pressured to ignore them and has to deal with the consequences, whatever they may be.
More...
Oct 21, 2008
Christine
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. It has such detail. I couldn't wait to finish it. My school librarian read it to my 5th grade class and I liked it so much, I checked it out and finished it the next day! The HUGE accident is something so lifechanging, it's hard to believe how someone can live knowig that they did something so tragic! I would recomend this to anyone who is looking for a teriffic book to read!
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Oct 25, 2010
I thought this book was full of action and adventure. I would suggest this book to any of my fellow peers. I think it is a great novel for young students. At some points it is sad, and some points it is very strong reality. It has good descriptive words, and it has very good action. It teaches good lessons about friendship, and childhoods. Doing what is right, and doing what is wrong. Tony was a charater that did not want to let down his friend. He did not want people to no him as a wuss or some
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Dec 08, 2009
Christopher
rated it:
Advanced 5th - 8th
On My Honor is a five star book because the story challenges the reader by evoking strong emotions and forcing the reader to "read between the lines." The book is in chronological order and is only 90 pages long. The content is close enough to real life that it is easy for children to relate to the story. I would recommend this book for children that are past the first chapter book step in their reading, but are mature enough to handle the concept of de More...
On My Honor is a five star book because the story challenges the reader by evoking strong emotions and forcing the reader to "read between the lines." The book is in chronological order and is only 90 pages long. The content is close enough to real life that it is easy for children to relate to the story. I would recommend this book for children that are past the first chapter book step in their reading, but are mature enough to handle the concept of de More...
Dec 17, 2009
Tabitha
rated it:
Independent reading for 4th-6th grade
Bauer demands the interest of the reader by presenting a cover that details the pained expression on a young boys face as he holds his head in his hands with a river and trees looming in the background. She captures the reader’s attention in the very beginning with action and suspense through the main characters. There is a chronological fluency to the story as Joel expresses his emotion with his need to be accepted by his friend, but all the whil More...
Bauer demands the interest of the reader by presenting a cover that details the pained expression on a young boys face as he holds his head in his hands with a river and trees looming in the background. She captures the reader’s attention in the very beginning with action and suspense through the main characters. There is a chronological fluency to the story as Joel expresses his emotion with his need to be accepted by his friend, but all the whil More...
Nov 30, 2009
Teneka
rated it:
(3rd - 4th grade)
Bauer tells this story in the third person through the eyes of the main character, Joel. This story is one of trust and deceit, courage and cowardice, guilt and reconciliation. The author draws the reader in with exciting dialogue and suspenseful plot set-up. The text is about medium-sized, making the text easy to read. The author's use of white space makes this book less intimidating to the young reader as well. This story forces the reader to recognize different co More...
Bauer tells this story in the third person through the eyes of the main character, Joel. This story is one of trust and deceit, courage and cowardice, guilt and reconciliation. The author draws the reader in with exciting dialogue and suspenseful plot set-up. The text is about medium-sized, making the text easy to read. The author's use of white space makes this book less intimidating to the young reader as well. This story forces the reader to recognize different co More...
Aug 14, 2011
Laura
rated it:
On My Honor is a short young adult novel and a quick read. The plot takes place during the course of only one day and concerns the accidental drowning of Joel's best friend, Tony, and Joel's subsequent grief and guilt. While I think that this story is a good cautionary tale for pre-teens and young teens, I found myself wishing that there were more to it. For example: How did Tony's parents react to Joel once they found out the details of what happened; did they say anything to Joel to help ea
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Feb 06, 2011
Charles
rated it:
The 1987 Newberry Honor Award Winner is a fast paced story that deals with a sudden and violent death.
It is written in third person limited, and told through the eyes of Joel, a soon to be seventh grader. When Joel and his best friend Tony decide to go on a bicycle trip to a state park, they stop by a river and Joel dares his friend to a swimming race. Tony never reaches the sandbar in the middle of the river.
This is a short book, less than a hundred pages, but it takes the re More...
It is written in third person limited, and told through the eyes of Joel, a soon to be seventh grader. When Joel and his best friend Tony decide to go on a bicycle trip to a state park, they stop by a river and Joel dares his friend to a swimming race. Tony never reaches the sandbar in the middle of the river.
This is a short book, less than a hundred pages, but it takes the re More...
Apr 19, 2009
Josiah
rated it:
Even just preparing to write this review is bringing back in me some of the enormously powerful emotions that come from reading "On My Honor".
I honestly do not think that I was ever held in such rapt, spellbound suspense in my life, and certainly not from a story, as when I read this book. The tension was almost intolerable as the dramatic and devastating situation came closer to a head, and the inevitability of these family's lives crashing in on them became more apparent.
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I honestly do not think that I was ever held in such rapt, spellbound suspense in my life, and certainly not from a story, as when I read this book. The tension was almost intolerable as the dramatic and devastating situation came closer to a head, and the inevitability of these family's lives crashing in on them became more apparent.
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May 15, 2009
4Stephen
rated it:
Do you support the banning of books? I do support the banning of books. Libraries and schools should ban certain books. Books that should be banned have content that should be banned. Sex in a book can get it banned. Abortion in a book can be involved when a person wants it banned. Violence in a book can cause someone to ban it. Murder gets a book banned. Questioning reality can get involved when banning a book.
Sexual content in a book can get it banned. Incest in a book can l More...
Sexual content in a book can get it banned. Incest in a book can l More...
Apr 02, 2009
Jenben8426
rated it:
When Joel dares his best friend Tony to swim to a sandbank in the middle of the river and Tony doesn't make it, Joel must face the consequences of his actions. This is a Newberry Honor Book and one of my goals is to read all of them. This book is very short, only 90 pages but does pack a powerful punch especially for the intended audience. I think the book does live up to a Newberry honor status although it isn't the best I have ever read. Of course as an adult I am looking for a little more
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Nov 14, 2009
Stephene
rated it:
3rd to 5th grade
Bauer's hauntingly realistic novel of a day gone terribly wrong evokes strong emotions from the reader. The text is easily approachable to newly fluent readers, and the struggle Joel faces allows for much reflection and evaluation. Intermediate students will benefit from this literary experience that demonstrates what going against one's word and succumbing to peer pressure can result in--tragedy.
Related content areas: Language Arts, Geography
Lesson Idea: More...
Bauer's hauntingly realistic novel of a day gone terribly wrong evokes strong emotions from the reader. The text is easily approachable to newly fluent readers, and the struggle Joel faces allows for much reflection and evaluation. Intermediate students will benefit from this literary experience that demonstrates what going against one's word and succumbing to peer pressure can result in--tragedy.
Related content areas: Language Arts, Geography
Lesson Idea: More...
Nov 29, 2009
Tom
rated it:
4th -6th Grade
Marion Dane Bauer is able to touch all emotions in this very dramatic story that leaves the audience to think of how they would react if put in the same situation as Joel after his friend Tony drowns. This story takes the reader on an adventure as the two main characters set out on a day of adventure that seems to be doomed from the start. The reaction that Joel has in not being able to tell of what happened and the anger and hurt that he felt that he was unable to prevent More...
Marion Dane Bauer is able to touch all emotions in this very dramatic story that leaves the audience to think of how they would react if put in the same situation as Joel after his friend Tony drowns. This story takes the reader on an adventure as the two main characters set out on a day of adventure that seems to be doomed from the start. The reaction that Joel has in not being able to tell of what happened and the anger and hurt that he felt that he was unable to prevent More...
