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