Book Talk: On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Interest Level: 8 years and up
This book talk
is designed for middle school students.
Do
you have a best friend? You know, the kind of friend that you can’t even
remember life without. The kind of friend who finishes your sentences and makes
life challenging, interesting, and sometimes even dangerous. The kind of friend
you love, but also sometimes wish you could change. Well, I have that kind of
friend, his name is Tony.
Tony
is like my brother. We do everything together. Tony is a daredevil; he is always
coming up with ideas that are risky. Tony thrives on being bold and reckless.
I, on the other hand, do not. But, being Tony’s friend means that I often have
to give in to his foolhardy plans; there is no talking Tony out of something he
is determined to do, even if it involves risking our lives, which brings me to
today. Today, Tony has decided that we should ride our bikes about ten miles away
to Starved Rock, a state park, and climb the steep river bluffs with our bikes.
I don’t want to go, but Tony is insistent. He calls me chicken when I suggest
that we go swimming instead. I, of course, deny being chicken, but really I am
scared to death to go. Last year, someone was killed doing this very thing! Feeling
certain that my dad will say no to the idea of us riding our bikes all the way
to Starved Rock, I ask him for permission. I can’t believe what I am hearing
when my dad says, “Yes, but on your honor…you won’t go anywhere except the
park? You’ll be careful the whole way?” I promise that I will be careful.
Now, as I hesitantly ride off with Tony; I feel certain that I am riding toward
my death.
On
this day, both boys’ lives are changed forever. If you would like to learn more
about the adventures of Tony and Joel, read On
My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer.
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