by Sharon G. Flake. Random House Children’s Books/Alfred A. Knopf Imprint; July 11, 2023
ARC compliments of NetGalley
Sharon G. Flake, a published writer for more than twenty years, is known for her works addressing the lives of African American youth and universal human values, there is no doubt these traits have also granted her a Coretta Scott King Award Winner. Graduating from the University of Pittsburg in her early 20’s, Sharon went on to become a teen counselor by day and a short story writer by night. Eventually, she gained a position in public relations at the University of Pittsburgh where years later she received her big break as an author with her first book, The Skin I’m In, a winner of many literary awards. As an author, Sharon writes to show the appreciation of the lives of African American youth in all of their capacities, reckoning with the fact they are whole beings jaded by a traumatic event, seeking recompense, reconciliation, or perhaps even revitalization. Once in A Blue Moon was inspired by Sharon’s father as he wanted to be an astronomer at one point in life. This book was written to honor her father, as even the main character’s name is a tribute to her father.
The first lines in this novel introduce readers to James Henry, the preteen protagonist laden with guilt over a traumatic event involving his mom, the neighborhood dog and the great outdoors. The aftermath of the event has left James Henry ‘frozen’ physically, mentally, and emotionally; or what James Henry calls, “my condition.” House bound, James Henry lives life through the lens of windowpanes, his twin sister Hattie’s experiences, letters to dad, and the star lit sky. At night, “On my back on top the roof laying on a blanket with my toes aimed at the sky” (p. 135) is when peace finds James Henry. One day, a letter arrives from father inspiring James Henry to ‘step’ into his father’s shoes. Each step James Henry took drew him closer to being unstuck or like the Pole Star. In that moment, with Sister whispering to him, “there’s a way out if you take it” and it only happens, once in a blue moon. With his twin nearby and North Carolina dirt under his feet… James Henry makes a decision.
What works: Verse in this text works to expose the harshness of the experience as it merges storyline and raw emotion through words and blank space left for thoughts to resonate. “Most everyone stares on their way past our house. The mean ones squeak. This Lottie Jean girl don’t know any better I guess so she stops. The others make like a river around a rock”(p. 386) James Henry’s guilt is felt through the images painted by the verse’s narrative and at times lyrical form spewing James Henry’s very thoughts upon the page. As a reader we are invited into James Henry’s world of angst but are carried through an unraveling storyline that reveals compassion, family, friendship, and the power of imagination. Though there are scenes of bullying in various capacities, no unusual gore is depicted or displayed within the text.
What doesn’t work: I found myself most curious for additional information about the blue moon, as I wasn’t sure if the significance was dissipated by realization or imagination.
Pass It OR Grab It? I recommend this book as a “Grab It”, as it is a perfect read for middle school, public or home libraries. The author’s dedication to a written work fueled by love, family and friendship often leads to restoration for any broken ties or relationships.
Black Cotton Reviewers 