Half Moon Summer - by Elaine Vickers (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Two seventh graders discover it takes more than grit and a good pair of shoes to run 13.1 miles. You've got to have a partner who refuses to let you quit.

Drew was never much of a runner. Until his dad's unexpected diagnosis. Mia has nothing better to do. Until she realizes entering Half Moon Bay's half-marathon could solve her family's housing problems.

And just like that they decide to spend their entire summer training to run 13.1 miles. Drew and Mia have very different reasons for running, but these two twelve year olds have one crucial thing in common (besides sharing a birthday): Hope. For the future. For their families. And for each other.

Review Quotes

★ "Drew's prose is direct and descriptive; Mia uses free verse to capture concise moments and feelings. . . . Uplifting."--Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ "Via distinct dual perspectives that alternate between Drew's POV, told in compassionate prose, and Mia's, conveyed in rhythmic verse, Vickers (Like Magic) vividly captures one emotionally turbulent summer filled with a friendship's mutual trust and support."--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

★ "A sensitive, heartfelt story of friendship and growing up. Highly recommended."--School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Vickers does an excellent job of blending her two narrators' voices, with Drew's chapters written in prose and Mia's in verse. The book deals authentically with tween feelings, especially their complex reactions to death and loss, while also maintaining a solid pace through the dynamic plot, making it a great choice for upper-middle-grade readers looking for an emotionally intense story without a hint of romance."--The Horn Book

"Vickers deftly distinguishes between the alternating perspectives by composing Drew's point of view in prose and Mia's chapters in verse. . . . their perceptiveness and the parallels between their concerns about family finances and relationships greatly enhance the emotional appeal of this story."--The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

About the Author

Elaine Vickers is an award-winning author of picture books and middle grade and young adult novels. She grew up reading, running, and exploring in a small town in Utah. Several years and one PhD later, she found her way back to her hometown, where she spends her time writing, teaching college chemistry, and exploring with her family. Visit her at elainevickers.com.