Man in the Moon

September 1, 2008
Gr 4-6-In the blistering heat of summer 1961, during the phase of a new moon, Janine and her family are visited by a strange skinny man who emerges from a cornfield on their lonely Texas farm. Janine's father recognizes him as the man who saved his life during World War II, and invites him to stay in spite of the fact that he's out of work and the family is struggling to make ends meet. More than anything Janine's younger brother, Ricky, wants to build a go-cart, but he suffers from a debilitating illness that makes Mama overprotective and keeps the children inside more often than not. Hot and bored, they are fascinated by Mr. Lunas, who, as his name suggests, changes shape with the phases of the moon. As the moon wanes, Ricky grows sicker and the money grows tighter until Mama's nerves reach the breaking point. The situation suddenly seems beyond repair, until Mr. Lunas gives Janine the vision to make Ricky's last wish come true. This well-constructed novel satisfies on many levels, with wonderful dialogue, a vividness of place, and memorable characters that allow even the magical elements to ring true. While the story is Janine's, each member of the family is well drawn, particularly Mama, whose worry and strain become understandably palpable with her son's worsening condition. Mr. Lunas wanders through the book like a mysterious moonlit spirit, offering mild counsel and encouragement to those who will listen. Still, Janine is the focal point as she struggles to find her place and purpose in a family with too many other things on their minds. A worthwhile read with a satisfying conclusion that will be long remembered."Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
Janine feels smothered by both the Texas heat and having to care for her sickly brother. Then Mr. Lunas appears, a stranger who saved Janine's father during WWII and seems to hold the key to the struggling family's salvation. The mystery of Mr. Lunas combined with the text's moon-phase imagery gives the story a magical feel, but Janine's growing self-perception is very real.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)