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| On My Honor | 
 enlarge | Author: Marion Dane Bauer
Brand: INGRAM BOOK & DISTRIBUTOR
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
Buy New: $0.01
You Save: $6.98 (100%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  (143 reviews)
Sales Rank: 31622
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 96
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.2
MPN: ING0440466334
ISBN: 0440466334
EAN: 9780440466338
ASIN: 0440466334
Publication Date: October 1, 1987
Release Date: September 1, 1987
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Made with the Best Quality Material with your child in mind. | | • | Top Quality Children's Item. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
When his best friend drowns while they are swimming in a treacherous river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is devastated and terrified at having to tell both sets of parents the terrible consequences of their disobedience. "A powerful, soul-stirring novel told simply and well
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| Customer Reviews: Read 138 more reviews...
A short but powerful book September 27, 2008
This is a very short book, around 85 pages, but that doesn't mean it is a light or easy read.
Two boys aged about twelve are friends trying to figure out how to spend a summer day together. Neither one of them is able to be honest with the other, or their parents, about what they want to do. This leads to resentment, dares, bravado and ultimately tragedy. It is in how the tragedy is handled rather than the tragedy itself, that gives the book its weight and complexity. I would imagine that this is a perfect class discussion novel. There are many meaty themes to explore and could produce hours of lively thought provoking topics. However, my son is 10 years old and while he reads at a high level, I believe this book is too complex for 5th to 8th grade readers to fully appreciate without an involved adult ( parent or teacher ) to discuss it with. I believe this is borne out by the reviews written here by children. Additionally, I thought the ending of this book read more like a short story ending rather than a novel ending and would have liked to see one more chapter. I felt there was more to say about the aftermath of the boy finally telling the truth about what happened to his friend.
On My Honor September 4, 2008
I think that On My Honor is a really great story. The author is from our area and her descriptions about the river and setting are very accurate. I felt really bad that Joel had to go through so much before he finally told the truth. This story shows why it is important to be honest when something happens. It might not change the outcome, but it sure makes things easier to deal with in the end. The story is sad, but in the end Joel does the right thing. I think any middle school kid would enjoy this story and connect with Tony and Joel.
 A little too depressing to be touching, but the heart is still there August 12, 2008
Okay, I think I see why this particular little book won a Newberry Honor. However, despite all its artistic merit, including some incredible writing and poweful storytelling, it's a very dark and depressing tale. This is absolutely necessary to get across the message and the heartbreak; however, it should still be a valid warning. I still cry every time I think about this book. So, no, it's not a feel-good story. But it is powerful.
Required summer reading selection July 27, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book was a choice for my son's required summer reading. He would recommend it. The book wasn't too long and he read it quickly. It was a different genre than he typically reads, but he liked it.
 A Common Theme in Classroom Reading October 24, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Throughout my school career, I have come upon a common thread in celebrated children's literature that seems inexplicably, yet permanently woven into almost every novel that is introduced in the classroom, especially those works adorned with the cherished "Newbery Medal." Although it took me a few years to make this connection, I came to associate the shiny, circular accolade with death, destruction, depression, and more importantly, a book I was going to hate. Granted, the authors of these novels are very talented. Their writing skills are ones that I can only hope to possess, yet apparently the most important criteria for such recognition is an ending that leaves the reader's face glistened with tears. Huh. I wonder why more kids don't enjoy reading?
On My Honor is a perfect example of such a work. Although powerfully and poignantly written, I do NOT believe that it is a novel that should be classified in the genre of children's literature. I, and everyone else in my English class who read this novel many moons ago, passionately despised it. Not only was I left feeling very sad and upset over the ending, but I also felt angry and resentful towards the teacher who made the selection. Because the novel was assigned as a summer reading book, there was no classroom discussion of the disturbing topics, and frankly, a large number of students neglected to continue to their assignment, simply choosing not to read the other novels.
There are two types of novels that I remember: Those that I cherish, and those that I hate. Almost a decade after reading this book, I can recall the sour taste in my mouth that I experienced moments after shutting its cover and I can recollect the horrifically detailed description of Tony's drowning.
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