SAM AND THE MOON QUEEN

by Alison Cragin & Jane Lawrence Mali Herzig ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 24, 1990

A moving story about a 13-year-old who befriends a younger homeless child and later helps her find a place to stay. From the time he finds her hiding out in the basement of his apartment building, Sam is fascinated by December--with her ash-pale hair, her refusal to give her real name, and her vague references to unpleasant foster-home experiences. She introduces him to a world of handouts, park benches, offbeat characters, and making-do. Over the course of several days, Sam brings her food and small items, meanwhile comparing her life to his: his mother has to struggle to make ends meet, but at least he has an address and someone who really cares for him. Then Annie, the woman on whom December had relied for protection, disappears; December herself narrowly escapes a gang of vandals. Sam persuades her to move back into the basement, and also persuades the super to let her stay, at least for a while. Though the dangers of living on the street are not explicit here, and the social service agencies remain a remote, slightly threatening presence, the authors treat their characters and subject seriously. Readers Should be startled into thought by Sam's ruminations.

Pub Date: Sept. 24, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 176

Publisher: Clarion/Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S