On My Honor (Yearling Newbery)

Rating:
Summary: High Praise Deserved
Review: Bauer, Marion Dane. (1986). On My Honor. Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing New York. This was what I would call a tremendous quick read because you could just go right with Joel, who is twelve and on a bicycle trip with his reckless best friend, Tony. You are just hooked as soon as the plot begins to thicken, when Tony stops at the river and suggests a swim and the boys argue you can just so relate, and then on a dare both boys try to swim to an island in the middle. Without disclosing too much of the actual details, this book is just magnetic, because the plot heightens to the point of tears. It is an emotionally strong story simply told all in one day's time. The realistic portrayal of a grieving boy's conscience evolves you to be sympathetic for the father and son. This plot escalates to anger, fear, and personal loss and would be a great read for any young person with emotion and heart.

Rating:
Summary: Good book
Review: I am a student at West Virginia State University. I am currently taking a Children's Literature class from Professor Samples. I chose this book not knowing anything about it. Once I picked it up to read, I couldn't let it down. I thought it was written really well. This story taught the importance of standing up for yourself-no matter what.

Rating:
Summary: On My Honor
Review: I am a student at West Virginia State University. I am currently taking a Children's Literature class from Professor Samples. I chose this book not knowing anything about it. Once I picked it up to read, I couldn't let it down. I thought it was written really well. This story taught the importance of standing up for yourself-no matter what.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful, moving, and haunting
Review: On My Honor is a heartwrenching story of guilt and responsibility. I read this book quickly in one sitting. It was amazing. It was depressing. It definitely deserved the Newberry Honor Medal it received.

Marion Dane Bauer is a great author. Her characters are rich and personable. Readers quickly fall in with the protagonist, Joel, a bright boy with a strong conscience. Joel is the source of approval for many, including his best friend Tony. As Bauer writes, it becomes apparent, that the only commonality between the two friends is the fact that they were nearly the same age and lived across the street from each other.

Bauer wastes no time presenting the conflict. Joel struggles to stand firm in his beliefs against Tony's taunting dares and flamboyant disregard for safety. Joel quickly realizes after tragedy strikes that even his faith in his father's good judgement isn't enough. When Tony dies, nothing can comfort Joel, who makes a rash decision to disregard his own conscience.

I appreciate the way the author emphasizes the role parents play in teaching their children responsibility and the joint effort necessary in sharing guilt when misplaced responsibility backfires. Joel's father, does his best to comfort Joel, and even shares the responsibility for Joel's guilt. As a teacher, I meet many parents who are unwilling to take responsibility for their children's actions, decisions, and mistakes. This book points out the importance and role parents must play in the lives of their children.

I really got wrapped up in this story. I was however very disppointed in the ending. Joel spends the majority of the novel struggling with guilt. In an effort to absolve himself from responsibility Joel weaves a series of painful lies that affect both families deeply. Bauer never really resolves this. When the truth comes out, Joel runs from the consequences. Though he may never escape the impact his decisions have on himself, there is no resolution for Joel's responsibility to Tony's family. The pain that both families must face will take time to heal and will have a lasting impact on all readers.

I was also disappointed in Bauers disregard for spiritual comfort. She brings up the ideas of God, Heaven and afterlife, only to disregard them. This probably reflects Bauer's own beliefs, however, and must be recognized as such.
"Do you believe in Heaven?" (Joel) asked at last. "Do you believe Tony's gone there?"
His father bent toward him. "If there is a heaven, I'm sure Tony's gone there," he replied. "I can't imagine a heaven that could be closed to charming reckless boys."
If! Joel felt as he were sinking through the bed. "What do you mean...if there's a heaven?"
"I dont suppose anybody knows...."
Christian readers will find little comfort, and even less familiarity in this novel.

I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a very dramatic read. It is also a good book that addresses guilt, lying, death and responsibility. Joel's struggle represents the struggle all preteens face when compromising the responsibilities and confidence their parents have placed in them.

Rating:
Summary: On My Honor
Review: On My Honor is written by Marion Dane Bauer. It is about a boy named Joel and his best friend Tony. On day Tony decides to go to the state park to climb the bluffs! Joel doesn't want to go but goes anyway because he knows Tony will call him a baby if
he doesn't.On their way there,Tony changes his mind and decides to go swimming in the Vermillion River.As they were swimming, Tony and Joel get into a fight.Tony, being mad at Joel starts to walk back to shore to get his bike to finish the trip to the state park to climb the bluffs.Joel, not wanting Tony to go to the state park by him self,dares Tony to race to a sand bar about 20 feet from wear they were.Find out what happens next by reading this book.I thought it was an exalent book.If you like books that are susensful,On My Honor is the book for you.It is best for ages 9 through 12.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully written book for 4th grade +!
Review: This is a book that I read in 5th grade and haven't forgotten 1 detail even though 2 years have passed! A very realistic story about 2 young boys who wanted an adventure. When one boy, Tony, convinces the other, Joel, to climb the steep Starve Rock Bluffs, Joel lies to his father about where they are going, even though he promises he's on his honor. When calamity strikes on the way, Joel remembers his father's words, and has to make some crucial decisions that could mess up his life. A book that everyone learns from, and that is exciting every time you read it!

Rating:
Summary: When In Doubt, DON'T!
Review: When two best friends, Joel and Tony, go on a long bike ride, something terrible happens: Tony wants to take a swim in a river that crosses on their way. Joel knows better, but gives in to Tony who called him "chicken". Rather than leave it at a quick swim, Joel turns the tables and now dares Tony to swim out farther. Suddenly Tony disappears. Soon it becomes evident that Tony has drowned. Back home it takes Joel awhile to accept what happened and he finally tells the truth about "the incident". -- This is the story of a friendship that ends in death because of foolish behavior found in many children today. Somehow young people have an incouragable feeling of being invincible, that nothing could ever happen to them. Some teenagers may be reckless drivers, other abuse drugs or alcohol, all without any regard for consequences. This book is a wake up call for all kids who read it. It appeals to everyone's common sense to THINK before you act!