Although twelve-year-old Harper has always liked Moon, an abused, orphaned older boy, their friendship is tested by a discovery Harper makes when Moon joins the Army in 1943.
What I liked: -Descriptive writing of backwoods territory of Walla Walla Washington area during WWII years -Mysteries surrounding Moon and Olinger -Childhood innocense enbedded in a young adult plot -Conflicts between truth, loyalty, and trust -A young protagonist (8-years-old) who seems wise and courageous beyond his years -Reads like a true story -A refreshing escape from the titles that are so popular with junior high readers in 2016 -An ending that provides some relief from the emotional hardships endured by characters
I can't wait to start recommending this novel to my junior high readers. Ask them to be sure to read all the way to the end. It isn't their normal reading genre and they will miss out on a truly exceptional piece of writing if they don't complete the book. Mysteries, afterall, truly aren't completely resolved until the end.