Bauer, D. B. (1984). On My Honor. N . Y., N. Y.: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.
The book On My Honor (a Newberry Honor Book) is brief and to the point. Joel and Tony are friends, and on their way on a bike trip to the State Park, a dare is made and a death results. I am not giving away the plot because, the books mainly deals with Joel’s guilt over daring his friend Tony to swim across the river. Tony drowns and Joel goes through a roller coaster of lies and deception before the conclusion of the book.
Marion Bauer is a master of writing inner dialogue for the protagonist Joel. The reader feels every bump Joel’s guilt takes him. As a reader, I was cheering when Joel made what I thought was a right decision and I was upset when he made a wrong move.
Although this book’s main theme is Joel’s dealing with this conscience, another very strong theme is the love Joel’s father has for his son.. Although the love from Joel’s father towards his son is touching, I feel that it is almost too perfect, but still very touching.
Although his book is a great read for individual tween readers, I think that its real value is in the classroom. The open-ended discussion about right and wrong, and what Joel should have done could be quite rich.
This is a book that should be in every elementary and middle school library. Although it was published 16 years ago, the themes dealing with battles with conscience and the love for your children are timeless.
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