Song for a Shadow by Bernie McKinnion

by Bernie MacKinnon

Burdened by the fame of his rock-star father and by his mentally ill mother, Aaron escapes to a small Maine town, where he learns a lesson in self-discovery and how to make peace with his past. "The motiffs of songs and shadows resonate throughout this likable novel; strong characterization and vivid descriptive writing transform a predictable plot into an engrossing coming-of-age novel." -- Horn Book

Hardcover

First published April 29, 1991

About the author

My family moved to the U.S. from Canada when I was ten. After that I lived mostly in Maine and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono. My first two novels ("The Meantime" and "Song For A Shadow," both young-adult) were published with Houghton Mifflin but the current one, "Lucifer's Drum," is self-published and a historical thriller, set in the American Civil War. These days I live and work in Memphis, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Amanda (manda4099) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, low key story about a boy's search to be unknown. It was comfortable and I really wanted to jump in and be part of the characters. If Sarah Dessen wrote from a male character's POV, it would be Song for a Shadow.

[Loel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the popular culture being a bit outdated now, it's still a great read about adolescent struggles with identity, family, friendships... I loved the voice of the author and the compassion and authenticity he conveyed in through the telling of this son of a famous musician. I loved it so much, I married the author! Well, not right away...

[Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever. Epic approval.

[Michelle]

Listed as Q4 = Exceptional!, P3 = A booktalk on this title will excite most people’s interest