On My Honor - A Newbery Honor Award Winner

A 1987 Newbery Honor Book

Joel's best friend Tony drowns while they are swimming in the forbidden, treacherous Vermilion River. Joel is terrified at having to tell of his disobedience and overwhelmed by his feelings of guilt.

About the author

Marion Dane Bauer has written more than one hundred children's books, including picture books, easy readers, early chapter books, and novels. She won a Newbery Honor for On My Honor, a middle grade coming-of-age story. She lives in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. www.mariondanebauer.com.

Summary

Newbery Honor Book. “A gripping, compassionate portrayal of a boy’s struggle with conscience” (Kirkus) by bestselling author Marion Dane Bauer.
While on a bike trip, Joel’s best friend Tony drowns while they are swimming in the forbidden, treacherous Vermilion River. Joel is terrified at having to tell of his disobedience and overwhelmed by his feelings of guilt, even though the daring act was Tony’s idea, and Joel didn’t know that Tony couldn’t swim. But Joel’s loving and protective father will help him deal with the tragic aftermath—and understand that we all must live with the choices we make.  
“A powerful, soul-stirring novel told simply and well.” —Booklist (starred review)
“This is a devastating but beautifully written story of a boy’s all-consuming guilt over the role he plays in the death of his best friend. Bauer’s honest and gripping novel joins the ranks of such as Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia in its handling of these issues.” —Publishers Weekly
“Descriptions are vivid, characterization and dialogue natural, and the style taut but unforced. A powerful, moving book.” —School Library Journal

Additional text

"A powerful, soul-stirring novel told simply and well." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

Product details

• Authors: Marion Dane Bauer, Marion Dane Bauer
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 10 to 12
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 07.08.2012
• EAN: 9780547722405
• ISBN: 978-0-547-72240-5
• No. of pages: 96
• Dimensions: 130 mm x 194 mm x 6 mm
• Weight: 82 g
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books > Non-fiction books / Non-fiction picture books > Religion, philosophy, psychology; Education and learning > Schoolbooks, general education schools; JUVENILE FICTION: Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings, JUVENILE FICTION: Social Themes / Friendship, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Boys & Men *, JUVENILE FICTION: Social Themes / Death, Grief, Bereavement, YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Social Themes / Mental Illness *