Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: Man in the Moon
Author: Dotti Enderle
Publisher: Delacorte Press
ISBN-13: 9780385735667
Release Date: July 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: Youth/Juvenile
Publisher’s Age/Grade Recommendation: 8-12
OUAR’s Age/Grade Recommendation: 8-12
Year/Setting: Present Day/Texas
Overall rating: 4.0
Dotti's Website: www.dottienderle.com
Janine isn't expecting much from her summer vacation, hot days filled with nothing much to do. Since her brother has gizzard problems, he can't do much of anything except rest, watch cartoons, or hide with Janine in the "cave". But on the days their mother allows him out, they make the best of them, hunting through junk piles, dreaming, making plans...
When the man who saved her father's life in WWII shows up, straight from the cornfield, their summer takes a turn. Sometimes Janine is leery of Mr. Luna who eats and eats and eats, then eats nothing at all, other times she's baffled by his cryptic comments and answers to her questions.
Janine is worried. Her mama and daddy are fighting, Ricky seems to be getting worse, but is determined to build a go-cart from the treasure buried in the junk pile. Though she thinks it's a "bullcorn" idea, Janine agrees to help Ricky. Before they're able to make much headway, Ricky becomes gravely ill. Their mother barricades herself in his room allowing no one to visit. Not even Janine's father is allowed in.
Janine becomes desperate to see Ricky. With Mr. Lunas's encouragement, she finds a way to fulfill Ricky's dream. But there's more in store for both Janine and Ricky.
There's more than meets the eye within the pages of Ms. Enderle’s story. More than an endearing tale of a little girl's fears and frustrations, it's a tale of hope and miracles, of fulfilling dreams, even if they're not our own.
Poignantly presented, Man in the Moon will be one of the books that will remain in many a child's memory for years to come.
Connie
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