Two nights ago, on Avalanche Road in Piney Mountain, Missouri, my life changed forever.

The enticing first line of ME AND THE MISSOURI MOON begins the journey of doing the right thing for fifth grader Scarlet Burnes. She is in the car when her daddy hits a bicyclist and sends the rider into a creek. She pleads with him to go back and help, but instead dad gives her a threatening warning. He’s been in and out of jail and doesn’t want a hit and run the reason for having him arrested again. She must keep quiet or else.

Fifth grade begins and Scarlet meets Cricket, a new girl who has a loving family and is a lot more well off than Scarlet, her mom, and little sister. Regardless, they become friends but then Scarlet discovers who the victim in the crash was and she is afraid of losing her new friend. The police begin questioning the students about the accident and Scarlet can’t hold in the truth much longer, but still fears her abusive father. She finds courage after doing a report on Maya Angelou, an activist and world renowned writer.

The book cover is a real draw with the comforting Missouri moon helping Scarlet face another day. The 41 chapters keep the plot moving nicely thanks to the first person narration by Scarlet. You’ll cringe every time her father is in a scene. Scarlet’s thoughts and decisions are realistically portrayed and her friendship with Cricket provide the solid foundation for a memorable read.

ME AND THE MISSOURI MOON is a great addition to any home or school library. A perfect gift for the middle grade reader in your family.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 9, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 224

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ME AND THE MISSOURI MOON by Nancy Stewart

1. Henry is the bully Scarlet despises. Readers not only find out about his family but also witness his marvelous character arc.
2. Scarlet’s oral report on Maya Angelou was a highlight. It comes towards the end but will leave you smiling with approval.
3. The topic of fibbing or telling the truth in various situations will make a great discussion starter in classrooms or at home. Young readers will find inspiration with the choice Scarlet finally makes.
4. Small time life is realistically portrayed and having a friendship develop between two girls growing up in far different social classes was beautifully done.
5. The sisterly bond between Scarlet and little Billie. Scarlet protected and looked out for her little sis and doing so provided many heartwarming moments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Nancy Stewart

A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Nancy taught grade school and was a university professor of education, specializing in Children’s and Young Adult Literature. She was fortunate to have lived in London with her family for a number of years.

Nancy has five published picture books, including One Pelican at a Time, which was featured in a PBS documentary. Her debut YA novel, Beulah Land, received First Place in the 2015 State of Florida Rising Kite Awards, through the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The book was a ” nalist in the Forward Indies Book of the Year Awards. It was also one of the most anticipated books at Barnes & Noble in 2017.

A frequent speaker and presenter at writing conferences, Nancy conducts workshops, seminars, and school visits. A member of the Rate Your Story team, she critiques manuscripts for prospective authors. She, her husband, and their (adopted from the Missouri Ozarks) pup, Louie, live in Tampa, Florida.

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!