Harper & Moon

Ross's slightly roughened voice brings to mind pipe tobacco and firelight, emphasizing the mood, setting, and abundant descriptions in this story without trying to vary the character's voices. Twelve-year-old Harper and the older Moon are unlikely friends but have shared many special moments. Harper's close relationship with the reclusive storekeeper, Olinger, spurs him to hike to Olinger's house when the elder man disappears. When he finds Olinger dead, the only thing more shocking than finding Moon there as well is hearing that Moon is suspected of the murder. Harper's devotion to his friend will be tested in a story that will captivate older children. E.J.F. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Grade 7-Up Set during World War II, Raymon Royal Ross's story (Atheneum, 1993) of 12-year-old Harper and his loyalty to 17-year-old Moon unfolds in a small Pacific Northwest community. Read by the author, who gives each character tones and rhythms suited to narrative descriptions of their persons, the plot twists are caused by the deliberate revelations of the characters who people Harper's world, as well as by Harper's own self-realizations. Moon, five years Harper's senior, has always been clever with his hands while hampered in speech - and, some adults in the community believe, in his intellect. Without a family of his own, he is welcome in Harper's home, a warm place with an insightful mother, a wise father, and a hired man who is plain spoken but kind. This year, Harper and Moon have spent the summer camping in the mountains, under the care of Olinger, an old fellow who keeps a small store for passing sportsmen and travelers. When summer ends, Moon slips away and joins the Army, while Harper returns home and to school. In winter, Harper finds Olinger dead, wrapped in a quilt out in the snow, and a criminal investigation ensues when Moon reappears on the scene. Ross writes compellingly of social interpretations of behavior and that dramatic passage between childhood and adolescence. All the main characters are well drawn and strong, while the minor ones are also rounded and understandable in their motivations. Issues of child abuse and lingering wartime stress are broached without dominating the story. This is an excellent choice for book discussions because it presents so many opportunities for students to wonder what they might do in Harper or Moon's stead. -Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
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