SHOOTING THE MOON
by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
2009
This story takes place during the Vietnam War. Twelve-year-old Jamie and her brother have both dreamed of following in the footsteps of their father, the Colonel. She is thrilled when her brother enlists in the army and is being sent to Vietnam. Her parents aren't as thrilled, because unlike Jamie, they know what the consequences could be.
She looks forward to letters from her brother, but instead of writing to her, he sends rolls of film to her to develop on a regular basis.
A lot of the story takes place in a rec room on the base where she volunteers at during the summer. She plays gin rummy with the soldier who works there. A friendship grows between the two and slowly Jamie grows to dislike the war and worries about her brother and that her friend might also be sent to Vietnam.
The end is a little abrupt and different, but all in all satisfying.
The Horn Book said "complicated and unpredictable -- just like war."
This historical fiction was a fairly quick read. I read it in one day. If you are interested in the Vietnam War and that time period, I would recommend it.
Click here to check out my post on Darlene Beck-Jacobson's web page today. It is about the research I did on my book, Duck and Cover.
Happy reading!
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That sounds really good. One of the projects I am working on takes place during the Vietnam War. I'll definitely be reading this one. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan. Thanks for the comment. Good luck with your project. I also have a manuscript that I have been working on for years (constantly changing it) that takes place in 1966 and I have worked a little about the Vietnam War into the story.
DeleteI do enjoy historical fiction and there aren't many set in this time period or setting. Thanks for featuring. I've added it to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteNever enough stories on this period of history! This book sounds complex, but well worth the read! Will check it out!
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting time period to set at story in. I'll add it to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteNot of lot of books for kids in that era. I will have to check it out. Thanks for the review.
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