50 pages 1 hour read

Marion Dane Bauer

On My Honor

Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1986

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Marion Dane Bauer's novel On My Honor, Joel Bates is an obedient boy who embarks on a bike ride with his reckless friend Tony Zabrinsky to Starved Rock State Park. Disobeying his father's warnings, they divert to the dangerous Vermillion River. Tony proposes a swim, leading to a tragic accident that forces Joel to confront the heavy burden of guilt and the true meaning of honor. Topics involving grief and death are present in this book.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer receives praise for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, effectively engaging younger readers. However, some critics note the story's somber themes may be too intense for its target audience. The book's realistic portrayal of friendship and moral dilemmas is commendable, despite mixed opinions on its age-appropriateness.

Who should read this

Who Should Read On My Honor?

A reader who would enjoy On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer is a middle-grade reader aged 9-12 who appreciates emotionally rich narratives about friendship and responsibility. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson or Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo will find this book compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

750L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Topics

Relationships

Education

Grief / Death

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Life/Time: Mortality & Death