Scan barcode
freybrarian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
tashaseegmiller's review
5.0
There are a lot of hard things that come with being a kid. In Half Moon Summer, the throughline of running helps young readers understand that something hard doesn't mean it's impossible. Through her standard grace of language, moments of laughter, and incomparable heart, Elaine Vickers shines a light on two kids dealing with real-life hard things and shows readers of all ages the importance and value of perseverance.
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
A moving middle grade novel about Drew and Mia, two twelve-year-olds who spend the summer running together as they cope with family challenges. I really enjoyed the unique format of this book - told in alternating POVs between two friends with Drew's sections written in prose and Mia's sections written in verse. The story tackles tough topics (dying family members, money struggles, etc) and celebrates the power of friendship and finding the strength to persevere through difficult times. Good on audio too narrated by Mark Sanderlin and Charley Flyte. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
CW: parent diagnosed with ALS
CW: parent diagnosed with ALS
stephanie_happylibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A good friendship tale as both struggle with family complications and unexpected changes
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
I enjoyed this uplifting read. Drew and Mia are both warm, kind characters who come from tight, supportive, loving families. This is actually rather unique in MG contemporary novels, so it feels like a breath of fresh air. Both MCs are dealing with challenges within their families, yes, but you can tell that their families are strong enough to endure them, if that makes sense. The sweet, wholesome friendship between Drew and Mia is my favorite part of the novel. It made me happy that they had each other to lean on during a difficult summer. They're both extremely likable, so it's easy to root for their happiness and success.
HALF MOON SUMMER isn't exactly a page turner, but it's compelling in a quiet, understated way. Mia's chapters are narrated in free verse, which helps the story move along at a faster pace. I'm not sure how gripping the novel will be for its intended audience, but I liked it.
If I could, I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
HALF MOON SUMMER isn't exactly a page turner, but it's compelling in a quiet, understated way. Mia's chapters are narrated in free verse, which helps the story move along at a faster pace. I'm not sure how gripping the novel will be for its intended audience, but I liked it.
If I could, I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
aylea's review
Drew is lonely because his best friend has moved away and he's alone his last summer before he needs to start helping in his dad's shop over the summer. Mia is upset because her dad is in Alaska taking care of her dying grandmother, leaving her in a town she'd rather not be in and away from their almost-finished house after so long of building it. These two have a past connection, but more importantly, they are connected by running and the pains of growing up.
I often dislike books with more than one POV character because they often don't have a lot to distinguish who the speaking character is. This book doesn't have that problem because Drew's POV is in prose and Mia's is in verse. I also typically don't like books in verse, but I liked it in this book. The author's language is quotable and comfortable. It actually reminded me of the feeling of summer when I was the age of the characters. It was beautiful to read and was quick reading because of the writing.
I enjoyed the development of the characters as they go from casually running to training for a half-marathon. The relationship between the characters is handled well, and while the
My main complaint about the book is that Drew's reaction when he finds out about the secret his dad is hiding doesn't seem realistic. However, his reaction does mean that the book doesn't get too dark and difficult to read. It helps the book overall feel sweet and only somewhat sad. Similarly, Mia's resolution of her family's problems seems somewhat disjointed. Still, these things don't change the enjoyment of the book.
I probably would have rated this book three stars because it's probably not a book that I'd read again or recommend often (except maybe to runners). However, I found the writing style to be so beautiful that I had to bump up my rating by a star.
This book shows the challenges of growing up, particularly when changes are happening that you can't do anything about. It shows how little things between family members and friends can add up to be so important.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the copy to review.
I often dislike books with more than one POV character because they often don't have a lot to distinguish who the speaking character is. This book doesn't have that problem because Drew's POV is in prose and Mia's is in verse. I also typically don't like books in verse, but I liked it in this book. The author's language is quotable and comfortable. It actually reminded me of the feeling of summer when I was the age of the characters. It was beautiful to read and was quick reading because of the writing.
I enjoyed the development of the characters as they go from casually running to training for a half-marathon. The relationship between the characters is handled well, and while the
My main complaint about the book is that Drew's reaction when he finds out about the secret his dad is hiding doesn't seem realistic. However, his reaction does mean that the book doesn't get too dark and difficult to read. It helps the book overall feel sweet and only somewhat sad. Similarly, Mia's resolution of her family's problems seems somewhat disjointed. Still, these things don't change the enjoyment of the book.
I probably would have rated this book three stars because it's probably not a book that I'd read again or recommend often (except maybe to runners). However, I found the writing style to be so beautiful that I had to bump up my rating by a star.
This book shows the challenges of growing up, particularly when changes are happening that you can't do anything about. It shows how little things between family members and friends can add up to be so important.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the copy to review.
karlyerin's review
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
xangemthelibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Decent. I enjoyed Drew and Mia's relationship, but I can't help but hope that they end up a couple when they're older haha.
I admire both kids' tenacity and desire to just try to make things better. And running 13 miles?? That is an astounding accomplishment.
I admire both kids' tenacity and desire to just try to make things better. And running 13 miles?? That is an astounding accomplishment.
maddy_elizabeth11919's review against another edition
4.0
This was really good. I loved both of there ending. I loved listening to them find out what's important in life. I love how brave Mia was. Mia was inspiring and hopefully encourages others to right the wrongs done to them. I love how in a lot of ways confused Drew was, but he ultimately figured it out. This was such a good middle grade book!