On My Honor - by Marion Dane Bauer (Paperback)

About the Book

Bauer's Newbery Honor-winning coming-of-age story of a young boy's devastating guilt over the death of his best friend after a swimming challenge goes terribly wrong. This edition features a beautiful new cover and Introduction by Katherine Paterson, author of the Newbery Medal-winning "A Bridge to Terabithia."

Book Synopsis

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

Review Quotes

"A remarkable achievement." - Katherine Paterson, Newbery Medalist for Bridge to Terabithia

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

About the Author

Marion Dane Bauer is an award-winning author who also teaches in the Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College. She lives with her partner, Ann Goddard, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.