Once in a Blue Moon - by Sharon G Flake

About the Book

Paralyzed by guilt, eleven-year-old John Henry must come to terms with the events surrounding his Ma's near drowning and with the help of his twin sister Hattie, learn to embrace life again.

Book Synopsis

A beautiful and uplifting novel in verse about family, friendship, journeys that take us far from home and back again, renewed and more courageous from the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winner of The Skin I'm In!

James Henry used to be brave. He hasn't been the same since that fateful night at the lighthouse when his ma went searching for Dog. Now months later, he feels as small as the space between the numbers on a watch, nervous day and night, barely able to go outside. Even words have a hard time leaving his mouth. The only person he speaks to is Hattie, his courageous twin sister, who fiercely protects him, especially from bullies.

James Henry wants nothing more than to be brave again. However, finding his voice will mean confronting the truth about what happened at the lighthouse-a step James Henry isn't sure he can take. Until a blue moon is forecast, and as Gran has said, everything is possible under a rare blue moon . . .

* "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." --The Horn Book, starred review

Review Quotes

★ "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." --The Horn Book, starred review

"The theme of recovery after deep trauma shines brightly." --Kirkus Reviews

"A poignantly compelling intergenerational story that underlines themes of community and family, forgiveness, grief, and healing." --Publishers Weekly

"A beautiful story written in verse." --The Root

About the Author

Sharon G. Flake is the author of The Skin I'm In, which has sold over a million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. Since its publication, Flake has authored over a dozen books, winning multiple Coretta Scott King Honor Awards; ALA Notable and Top Ten Recommended Books citations, and an NAACP Image Award Nomination, among many accolades. She has been writing books from her home (and Panera's) for over twenty years.