Staring across the street the day after his alcoholic father disappears, eleven-year-old Billy Ray is startled to see one of his schoolmates, an adopted Romanian girl, gazing at the sky and then writi
Staring across the street the day after his alcoholic father disappears, eleven-year-old Billy Ray is startled to see one of his schoolmates, an adopted Romanian girl, gazing at the sky and then writing in a notebook. She is keeping a Moon Journal, cataloguing the phases of the moon to keep alive a secret memory that, eventually, Billy is the first to discover.
Although he has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and struggles with many things that typical kids take for granted, Billy's curiosity and warmth intrigue Natasha, and the two children develop a friendship that gives them the strength and courage to reveal their deepest secrets and to reach for their dreams.
One of Billy's dreams is to enter a talent contest at the local park. He has been practicing yo-yo tricks over and over again, hoping to impress his father. Things don't turn out as planned, but under unfair circumstances that would make other children give up, Billy proves himself to be a steadfast example of the way hope elicits the power to carry on.
"Once again, Brenna demonstrates her superb ability to present the world as it is seen through the eyes of a central character with special learning needs."
Highly Recommended.--
CM Magazine"It is a delightful story about the importance of being a good friend."
-- Lane Education Service District (5 out of 5 Stars)
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Beverley Brenna
is professor in Education at the University of Saskatchewan and a former classroom teacher and special education consultant. She has published many books for young people including the award-winning Wild Orchid series.
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Saskatchewan Book Awards Shortlist - Children's Books, 2007
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