Half Moon Summer

Two seventh graders discover it takes more than grit and a good pair of shoes to run 13.1 miles. You’ve got to have a partner who refuses to let you quit.

“Sensitively portrayed . . . rings true . . . uplifting.”

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Drew was never much of a runner. Until his dad’s unexpected diagnosis. Mia has nothing better to do. Until she realizes entering Half Moon Bay’s half-marathon could solve her family’s housing problems.

And just like that they decide to spend their entire summer training to run 13.1 miles. Drew and Mia have very different reasons for running, but these two twelve year olds have one crucial thing in common (besides sharing a birthday): Hope. For the future. For their families. And for each other.

Praise for Half Moon Summer

  • Whitney Award Finalist for Best Middle Grade Novel
  • Triple Crown Award Finalist
  • Bank Street Best Books of the Year
  • ALSC Summer Reading List
  • A Kids' Indie Next Selection
  • Golden Dome Award List (Vermont)
  • Great Lakes Great Books Award List (Michigan)
  • An AML Middle Grade Award Finalist
Illustration of trophies

“A sensitive, heartfelt story of friendship and growing up. Highly recommended.”

School Library Journal (starred review)

“Sensitively portrayed . . . rings true . . . uplifting.”

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“An involving, heartening novel of change and growing awareness.”

Booklist (starred review)

“Vividly captures one emotionally turbulent summer filled with a friendship’s mutual trust and support.”

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Vickers deftly distinguishes between the alternating perspectives by composing Drew’s point of view in prose and Mia’s chapters in verse . . . A tender theme of courage in face of the precariousness of life, evoking a deep gratitude for every precious moment spent with loved ones.”

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“. . . deals authentically with tween feelings . . . solid pace . . . dynamic plot . . . a great choice for upper-middle-grade readers looking for an emotionally intense story.”

Horn Book

“Prepare your heart for an unforgettable, life-changing summer with Drew and Mia. You’ll never be the same after reading this heart-breaking/heart-healing gem of a book.”

Donna Gephart, author of Abby, Tried and True and Lily and Dunkin

“Get on your mark and get set, because once you start reading Half Moon Summer you won’t be able to stop cheering for Drew, Mia, and their families.”

Tara Dairman, author of the All Four Stars series and The Girl from Earth’s End

“Full of heart and humanity, this beautiful story reminds us that when we lean on each other, we can get through anything.”

Ann Braden, author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus and Opinions and Opossums

“Drew and Mia raced straight into my heart and had me rooting for them every step of the way.”

Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, New York Times bestselling author of the Book Scavenger series

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