Book Review

Walk two Moons by Sharon Creech is an interesting story about choices and perception told through an engaging tale about a girl named Salamanca (Sal) Tree Hiddle, who takes a journey from Ohio to Idaho to reconnect with her mother whom she views as having abandoned her. Sal is accompanied by her very antsy and excited grandparents who become the audience for Sal’s account of her experience with Phoebe, a friend in Ohio. Through this story many instances of symbolism portray many aspects of life as they relate to relationships. I liked as it showed how not to be judgmental and not blame others for your problems. It made me think how in our society people often put down others to build themselves up.

The story begins with Sal’s mother suddenly leaves without notice; this has a devastating effect on Sal causing her to view herself as the reason for leaving. Sal’s mother sends a trail of postcards that show her journey to Idaho.
Depression sets in as it eventually discovered that her mother is not going to be coming back any time soon Desperation prompts Sal to take a trip with her grandparents to Idaho in hope to reuniting her with her mother. It is on this trip that Sal tells a story about her experience with a very interesting and critical girl: Phoebe. As with Sal, Phoebe is also devastated, when to her surprise, her mother leaves. Phoebe’s survival instinct kicks in and is determined to find a cause of her mother disappearance. Her main suspect is this unusual kid that she nicknames the “Potential Lunatic”. Believing that the “Potential Lunatic”, who she thinks leaves strange messages like “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins,” is the cause of this dilemma, she sets out to find and serve him justice.

Sharon Creech does an admirable job of writing this book by reflecting on some key points of life. She twists the plots together and creates a two-in-one book. The only thing that I thought could of improved the book was to right it at a higher grade level. It is a great book for anybody in elementary to middle school. She keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole entire book. It was an outstanding book. Through all the hardship and trials in this book she still surprises you. Great job, Sharon.