Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
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Book Reviews of Walk Two Moons
Book Review: Walk Two Moons
Summary: 5 Stars
Never judge a book solely on its cover. Wait until you read it. When the guy in ratty clothes drives by in a junk pile on wheels, don't assume he's poor. He may be the richest man in town. When it takes that socially awkward student in your class extra time to coherently put words together or complete an assignment, don't assume he's "learning disabled." He may have the most creative mind in your room. And when the single, redheaded woman who lives next door and keeps to herself, begins acting friendly and goes out of her way to be kind to you, don't assume she's an ax wielding murderer with something to hide. She may just care about you. This is a lesson that Salamanca Tree Hiddle learns all too well, in Sharon Creech's amazing Newbery Medal Winner, Walk Two Moons.
Sugar Hiddle left her home, husband, and daughter in Bybanks, Kentucky and set out by bus to Lewiston, Idaho without any real explanation and never returned. So Sal, Sugar's 13 year-old daughter, embarks on a cross-country trip with her grandparents to track her mother down and bring her home. Along the journey, Sal entertains her grandparents by telling them the story of her friend, Phoebe Winterbottom, whose story begins to weave itself around Sal's own tale. Like Sal, Phoebe has a mother with plenty of questions on her mind and like Sal, there are some hard truths to life that Phoebe will need to learn how to face.
The first time I finished this book, I was at a loss for words. I wondered how Sharon Creech managed to tackle such adult themes in such a kid-friendly book, because there are plenty of them scattered throughout these pages. The whole idea of writing a story for children about a woman who packs up her things and leaves her loving husband and caring daughter for no apparent reason, could be a dangerous path to tread along for a children's author. Think of the fear you could instill in your young readers. "What if MY mother left me without explaining why?" Add to this the possibility of infidelity (because I do believe that Creech KNOWS her readers are going to go there) and you have the ingredients for an extremely heavy, thought-provoking, and scary novel. However, Creech pulls this off impeccably by trusting that her children readers are able to handle the assumptions they will make through the course of reading this book. And parents remember, don't judge a book by its cover, or at least until you've read it. That's the point Creech is trying to hammer home. There's more to this story than what first meets the eye. Much more.
Creech takes the Native American proverb, "Never judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins" and lets it resonate throughout her novel. To truly understand and appreciate the intricate layers to Walk Two Moons, you need to be aware of this. It's this proverb that I feel, drives every decision Creech made when telling Sal and Phoebe's stories. It's this lesson that carries the plot. Which brings me to something I have to discuss but wish to do so carefully . . . the "surprise" ending.
My intention is not to give away too much of the story, (although by discussing it, I hope to entice you enough to pick up a copy for yourself) but to address a very popular critique of this novel and defend Creech's work. Many negative reviews of this novel claim that Creech "tricks" her readers with her ending and in doing so, loses some credibility in the unique "story within a story" method she's chosen to write with. I could not find this to be any farther from the truth. It is absolutely necessary that Creech "trick" the reader the way she does in order to really give her true message it's meaning. Without this ending, the book would fail to live up to it's own title.
In my opinion, Walk Two Moons is nearly flawless. It is one of the most engaging books I have ever read, and is a story that can affect so many people on so many different levels. It sounds cliché to say, but there really is something for everyone. There's mystery, (who is leaving the Winterbottom secret notes), there's suspense, (who is the Stranger), there's love, (will Sal and Ben become "more than" friends), and there's drama, (why did Sal's mom really leave Bybanks). Even reluctant readers in my 5th grade classroom poured over its pages, asking questions and searching for answers. It doesn't matter the grade, it doesn't matter your age, Sharon Creech's message will speak to anyone. Open your mind, open your heart, and let Salamanca Tree Hiddle settle inside to tell you the story of her mother, her friend, and her journey.
Book Review: Walk Two Moons
Summary: 5 Stars
Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech, was a truly moving story, and my only regret is that I did not force myself to read this story when I was younger. I always loved Sharon Creech. Bloomability was my absolutely favorite novel when I was in Middle School. It made me want to go to Boarding School! I remember looking at this book and thinking that I did not want to read it, even if it had won an award. I was quiet bitter against Walk Two Moons because it got an award and Bloomability didn't. Now I understand.
This is a moving story about a young girls journey to acceptance and discovery. What would you do if your mother left and never came back? How would you accept it? Sharon Creech answers these questions by weaving together the story of two girls who's mothers left for the various reasons that parents abandon their children. You watch as Phoebe goes through all of the steps, the denial, the anger, the hurt... everything. And then Sal relates this to how she felt when her mother left for Idaho without out her. And then, in the end, when everything comes together and Sal faces the truth of the situation, your heart breaks.
I saw the signs coming... I knew how it was going to end before I got there, but that didn't make the journey any less beautiful. And then you go and look at the cover and you realize that it was all there the whole time. This story doesn't disguise anything. It is like the symbolism that was spoken about... "...I hate it when people say the woods symbolize death or beauty or sex or any old thing you want. I hate that. Maybe the woods are just woods." I have always felt that. I have always hated symbolism. But then again, maybe sometimes we have to look past the exterior and discover what was intended, especially when it comes to helping people. How many more people could have helped Sal and Phoebe if they had looked past the front that they put on and discovered the true feelings they were feeling.
Anyway, over all, this was a great book! I will definitely be returning to this one day in the near future... and when I have children, I will be pushing this into their hands. I give this a 4.5/5 stars.
Book Review: Walk Two Moons,the greatest book ever-a review
Summary: 5 Stars
Walk Two Moons
Sharon Creech
Genre-Realistic Fiction
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech is about this little girl named Sal. To follow the path of her missing mother, Sal has to travel from Ohio to Idaho. Sal lost her mother. Her, her grandmother, and her grandfather went to find her. On the way Sal told all kinds of stories about her friend Pheobe. During the trip Sal's grandmother met some Indians, learned some new cool dance tricks, and started dancing with them. While on the trip, Sal's grandmother had a stroke and after it was only Sal and her grandfather.
Sal is a static, antagonist, and primary character. She always cares about her relationships with other people and she is very honest. She is always nice, smart, and brave too. She is very important to this story because she is the main character and she is the one who lost her mother. Sal's grandmother is a static, antagonist, and a secondary character. She is very funny and likes to listen to stories. She always makes up nicknames too. This girl always gets sick and she is medium sized in height wise. Sal's grandmother is important to this story because she travels with Sal to Idaho to see where Sal's mother went.
Sal's grandfather is a dynamic, antagonist, and secondary character. He cares about his wife, protects his family, and is always in a hurry. He is always wanting to explore the nature and is medium in height wise. Most of all he cares about his family. He is important to this story because he drove Sal a long ways just to see her mom.
I love this book because in some parts it is funny and in some parts it is sad. This book has lots of voice and you can picture things easy too. I recommend this book to people who like a shocking endings. The author really had to think about the title because it doesn't really tell you what the book is about,. Most of all this book is my favorite of all. You should read it!
I promise it will be good!
Walk Two Moons!!!!!
Book Review: A 1-day read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was at my usual trip to the library, shuffling through the books, and this book caught my eye. I picked it up, and read the inside, which honestly, I think was lamely put. Well, I took the book home and started to read it. By the third chapter, I was hooked. It was interesting, and what really was neat to me, was how it sounded like an actual 13 year old was telling the story!
I was instantly intrigued by Phoebe's tale along with Salamaca.
The story touches your heart deep down. I never thought I'd like it so much. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
Book Review: Sal's journey is inspirational and teaches great lessons.
Summary: 5 Stars
Walk Two Moons follows 13 year old Sal Hiddle on a six day trip from Euclid, Ohio to Lewiston, Idaho to visit her mother's final resting place. Along the way, Sal shares the story of her bestfriend Phoebe Winterbottom. Both Sal's and Phoebe's mother left unexpectedly and so they are able to find comfort in each other. I really enjoyed this book and I think Sharon Creech is an awesome young adult writer. I recommend Walk Two Moons to any middle school or high school student looking for a realisic and touching story of a young teen on a personal journey.