Spencer thought the house might be haunted.
Mitch knew it wasn't. And he knew why.
The whole time Spencer and Mitch hung out together at Bird Lake that summer, there were secrets keeping them apart.
And maybe a secret knowledge keeping them together, too—together like members of the same tribe. Like friends.
Reviews (12)
Uses the different perspectives of Mitch and Spencer to tell the different boys story of their experiences at Bird Lake. Both boys are dealing with different issues that summer and finding each other helps. I agree with Christy's review that it's a book that both boy and girl readers can enjoy and that's hard to find. The two characters are ages 10 and 12 so it can cover a wide range of readers. The character of Mitch is also very well written as he has just been dealt the blow of his father moving out and the announcement of his parents divorce. It was one that came out of the blue for him and one where his father moves in with a girlfriend and causes his mother to have to find a new home. I think the book does a good job of showing the effects of divorce and parents actions on the children. In this case it hurts not just the son, but takes the toll on the grandparents and mother as well. Many children might be able to relate to Mitch who doesn't know how to reach out.
When Spencer was 2, his 4 year old brother drowned at Bird Lake. When his family returns to see if they can enjoy the vacation home again, Spencer is in heaven. But a brother he rarely thinks about is suddenly brought to the forefront and he suddenly has to deal with those feelings. And just when he is loving his vacation, can he deal with it if he has to leave? Again, a good lesson in dealing with emotions for kids.
Told from the alternating perspectives of the two main characters, Bird Lake Moon is a touching story of friendship in the midst of tragedy. With the refreshing aspect of two strong and individual male characters, Henkes creates an atmosphere of mystery, pain, and triumph. Never one to disappoint, this story is sensitive and relatable from the very first page. A stunning addition to any collection craving books that boys and girls alike will enjoy, Bird Lake Moon will leave you with a sense of wonder and hope.
Kevin Henkes' latest novel is very much of the same high quality and wistfully melancholic tone as his previous novels. Reading this novel led me to two other Henkes novels and the themes of forgiveness, empathy, the true meaning of friendship plus the painfully honest depictions of mouring a loved one are deftly and gracefully handled.
Listened to this on a long car ride today. KH has a lovely way with words, but I think I prefer his PBs over his MGs.
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