Hunger Moon

by Sarah Lamstein

Welcome to the '50s. Twelve-year-old Ruthie Tepper is a good girl, an obedient daughter, an eager student. She craves attention and praise from her parents, and begrudgingly tends to her younger brothers - Michael, Isaac, and especially Eddy, whom others label "slow" or "retarded." She dreams of being a comedienne on TV like Lucille Ball.

In simple, clear, and carefully chosen episodes, Ruthie reveals the currents and undercurrents of her the growing tension within her family and between her parents around work, money, and Eddy's welfare; her resentment at having to look after Eddy; family dinners that are ticking time bombs. When tensions escalate to hitting, Ruthie acts to protect herself and Eddy. She takes him and runs away to be with their grandmother in Baltimore. Although they're intercepted and brought back, Ruthie returns home a changed girl. She finds a voice with which to tell her mother, "Quit yelling." At times funny, at times piercing, always honest, this story is the stuff of real families, real growing up.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in a unique and interesting style, this book was an easy read, but did not really have a conclusion, it just seemed to end.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful, sparse book tells the story of Ruthie Tepper. It's the 1950s, and Ruthie lives with her 3 younger brothers and her parents. Ruthie and her family are a "cake family", and there are many references to cakes, pies, and the foods that make up family meals. Her brother Eddy has trouble eating, and his parents worry about his weight (among other things) and this worry, on top of the other stresses of daily life, sometimes manifests itself in destructive ways. Lamstein has created a complex character in narrator Ruthie. Her sparse but precise writing carries the story brilliantly to its somewhat unsettled conclusion. A book for readers who enjoy stories about families; spunky female characters; and/or living with challenges. Highly recommended gr. 6-9.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me sad….

YA book - Ruthie has a brother with Down Syndrome and their parents seem to be unraveling.