Man in the Moon
Enderle, Dottie. Man in the Moon.
New York: Delacorte Press, 2008.
160 pp. $14.99 (hardcover)
The story Man in the Moon details one lunar month in the life of a struggling Texas family in the summer of 1961. They live a solitary life on a farm fifteen miles from the nearest 7-Eleven store. Many obstacles, including unemployment, shortage of food, oppressive heat, and a very ill son, plague the family.
The story focuses on the teenage daughter, Janine. She and her family hear sounds in the cornfield one hot summer night and later find footprints. They soon meet Mr. Lunas, the war hero who saved Janine’s father’s life in World War II. Despite the family’s struggles, Janine’s father welcomes the peculiar, emaciated man into their home. Mr. Lunas’ appetite and strength seem to fluctuate with the moon. The whole family recognizes Mr. Lunas’ strange behavior and his changing appetite. While Janine is fascinated by Mr. Lunas’ behavior, she keeps her distance.
Janine’s brother Ricky has a chronic illness, and there is not enough money for medical care. As Mr. Lunas’ stay continues, Ricky’s health worsens. Adele’s desperation over her son’s poor health and the frustration she feels over her husband’s inability to find a job climax into a mother’s desperate grief and a miracle that only Janine witnesses.
Enderle’s story begins with a mysterious tone, but quickly moves toward a sign that we are all indelibly connected with the natural world around us. While the story is well-written and keeps the reader wanting to continue, there are questions that seemed to be unanswered in the end. It would make a great read-aloud or book club choice. This book is best suited for upper elementary libraries.
Ann McGraw
Media Specialist
Magnolia Park Elementary
Entry Filed under: Book Reviews
Posted on: August 10th, 2010
