ALABAMA MOON by Watt Key
Category: Action-Adventure
Age Recommendation: Grades 6+
Release Date: 9/5/06
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Reviewed by: Grandma Bev
Rating: 5 Stars
Watt Key has introduced an unforgettable character in ten-year-old Moon Blake. He has lived in the wilderness with his father
for as long as he can remember. Moon's father is anti-government and they live a reclusive life, surviving on what they can trap
and raise with just an occasional trip to the little country general store. When Moon's father suffers a broken leg and refuses to
seek medical help, his subsequent death leaves Moon alone. Moon manages to see to his wilderness burial, but following his
father's instructions to go to Alaska and find others that live their way of life is more difficult. While Moon is very resourceful,
he doesn't understand the ways of the modern world and has no idea where Alaska is, or how to get there. The attorney that
recently purchased the land where Moon and his father lived believes that he is doing the best thing for Moon, and turns him
over to a boys home.
Moon is determined to escape and so he and two other boys manage to steal a bus and run away. Moon's survival skills keep
them one step ahead of the abusive and determined constable and out of jail. Moon has a chance to learn firsthand about what
friendship means and to be able to interact with boys his own age for the first time. The boys are very sympathetic
characters...even the bloodhound sent to track them down decides to join them.
Moon begins to question the lessons his father taught him about how bad the government is and to even question his father's
lifestyle. Moon is a character that I'll never forget. This action-packed story is filled with chases, captures, and escapes. If
you want to encourage reluctant readers, give them this exciting first novel by Watt Key. I'm hoping for another story...Moon
is just too good a character to not have a sequel.
Alabama Moon
by Watt Key