Northward to the Moon

Gr 4-7 Highly unusual situations and eccentric, individualistic characters fill this quirky sequel to "My One Hundred Adventures" (Random, 2008). Jane, the oldest of four children, narrates her family's escapades as they go off in search of their stepdad's long-lost brother. Because of Ned's job as a French teacher, the family was reluctantly transplanted from their seaside home in Massachusetts to Saskatchewan. As this story begins, Ned is fired when it is discovered that he doesn't know French. Jane's somewhat mature musings about family life and Horvath's rich prose and characterization breathe life into this humorous and poignant tale. Though basically irresponsible, Ned is likable in spite of his limited parenting skills. He has been out of touch with his own mother and sisters for 20 years. Maya, Jane's eight-year-old sister, suffers from the unstable family life, a problem that Jane seems to notice more than anyone else. Their mother is the epitome of patience and denial. When Ned is called to the bedside of Mary, an elderly Native American who helped him 20 years earlier, the family travels from Saskatchewan to New Brunswick. Ned discovers that his brother, a Las Vegas magician, has left a bag of money with her. Suspicions abound about its origins. Ned's quest to find his brother leads him to his mother's ranch in Nevada and myriad complications. Horvath once again writes with the humor, compassion, and sensitivity that keep readers turning pages. Underlying all the adventures is the longing for elusive true family life."Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.