Sunday, June 24, 2012

The Moon Over High Street


Babbitt, Natalie  The Moon Over High Street      
Scholastic/Grolier/Childrens Press/Watts  2012  148p  $15.95      978-0-545-37636-5     ms    VG      Historical 

Joe, an orphan, lives with his grandmother.  She plans to take Joe to visit "Aunt" Myra for the summer, to keep him in touch with those who remain of his sparse family.  These plans are sent askew when his grandmother breaks her hip and Joe travels to Midville, Ohio, alone.

Joe finds life at Myra’s pleasant.
 He befriends Beatrice, the girl next door, and  makes a good impression on Mr. Boulderwall, a lonely millionaire.  Mr. Boulderwall wants to adopt Joe and leave him his business.  Myra also offers to take Joe in; Myra is reminded by Joe of her own Joe, her fiance who was killed in the Korean War. 

Joe dreams of becoming a scientist, studying the moon.  Should
he stay with his family, or give up his dreams in exchange for financial security?  The theme of rich versus working class is handled heavy-handedly.

Natalie Babbitt is well-known for the Newbery Honor book
Knee-Knock Rise, and for Tuck Everlasting.  Fans who have been waiting for this new title may come away unsatisfied.  Although intended for middle-school students, there is not much action in this story and the characters are not fully developed.  This novel may appeal more to adults than teen readers.            

VG    Hilary Welliver   Orphans, Adoption

 

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