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Half Moon Summer
Two seventh graders discover it takes more than grit and a good pair of shoes to run 13.1 miles. You’ve got to have a partner who refuses to let you quit.
Drew was never much of a runner. Until his dad’s unexpected diagnosis. Mia has nothing better to do. Until she realizes entering Half Moon Bay’s half-marathon could solve her family’s housing problems.
And just like that they decide to spend their entire summer training to run 13.1 miles. Drew and Mia have very different reasons for running, but these two twelve year olds have one crucial thing in common (besides sharing a birthday): Hope. For the future. For their families. And for each other.
Drew was never much of a runner. Until his dad’s unexpected diagnosis. Mia has nothing better to do. Until she realizes entering Half Moon Bay’s half-marathon could solve her family’s housing problems.
And just like that they decide to spend their entire summer training to run 13.1 miles. Drew and Mia have very different reasons for running, but these two twelve year olds have one crucial thing in common (besides sharing a birthday): Hope. For the future. For their families. And for each other.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2023
15 people are currently reading
2625 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Vickers
10 books155 followersElaine Vickers lives with her family in Southern Utah, where she writes books and teaches college chemistry. She always wanted to be a writer and a teacher, except when she wanted to be an architect, an artist, a pediatrician, a judge, or a famous actress. Visit her at elainevickers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
December 9, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“It’s almost over,” I say. I don’t open my eyes. “And it might never be like this again.”
“But aren’t we lucky it happened at all,” he says. “What a summer.”
I applaud authors for doing things different than the norm, but I think the way the author decided to write the dual POVs for the characters in Half Moon Summer made it a little less enjoyable to read for me, despite how heart-breaking and emotional the story actually was. 😔
“What I want now
is to rewind
and repair.
Because how can I possibly be the person
who fixes things for other people
when all I do is think about myself?”
I liked the way the friendship between Drew and Mia was forged - both participating in Half Moon's half-marathon for their own personal reasons - but, they still find a way to share their personal problems and relate to one another. 🫶🏻 They have a shared past, which doesn't get revealed till much later, and I liked how it played an integral part in their character development. I may have sympathized with Drew's story more - because it was written in prose - whereas Mia's was written in verse. That caught me by surprise, and it almost felt like a disservice to Mia's own story - which was perhaps less critical than Drew's, but still just as important to her. 🙍🏻♀️
I will still say it was well-written at capturing that tether of adolescence of feeling lost and forgotten, while still trying to let go of the loneliness. And it's how the two of them were searching for that answer and inadvertently found it with each other was portrayed beautifully. 👍🏻👍🏻 They became really good friends and I liked how their competitive drive was included in the story - how they trained together to hone their running skills, pace themselves for long-distance and in the process, actually become so much more than just track companions.🏃🏻♂️🏃🏻♀️ They shared their grievances, opened up about what's bothering them - it became a genuine friendship over the summer that I believed was possible. 💜
“You have to promise me one more thing.” I can’t even tell him he’s not playing fair, because he looks like his heart might burst any second.
“Promise you won’t ever stop yourself from living your best life just because I’m not there.”
It's also a really heart-felt story about family and the relationship both protagonists have with their parents - longing for them and competing in this race - in a way to help them, make them proud of them. Mia was trying so hard to save their house and bring her father home to them - she was so committed to it, doing whatever it was in her power to convince others to see how much it meant to them. Drew's relationship with his father was so tender and fiercely devoted, and also the most painful one to witness. 💔💔
I didn't know such an ailment existed that had had affected him, but well, you learn something new every day - even from Middle Grade books. 'Only Dad’s best summer was all about being with me, and I’ve been low-key complaining about it the whole time.' And Drew's reaction really hurt me, his determination moved me, and his courage resonated with me. 😟 Drew's father was so upbeat, so proud, always encouraging, he was giving his son so much hope and promise that my heart hurt just reading it - knowing of the inevitable that is to come, but always so reassuring with his words. 🥺
The final scene, especially, after the race, when he reassures him of how he's still so proud of him, regardless of the race's results - that it's enough that he has a medal of his own - the strength to 'to watch everybody leave you behind and just keep going? {...} I don’t have a fancy medal like you, but I’m a Finisher too, Drew.' Yes, I teared up, at that - because you know it'll never be enough just to have them here with you now - knowing that there will never be a chance to have it again. 🫂🫂
“When Emily asked her most important question,
about whether anybody ever realizes
every minute of their life
right when they live it,
I answered with the Stage Manager
in the softest whisper
as the tears traced down my cheeks.
No.”
The underlying and beautiful message to make each day count, to not let the time go to waste, because you never know when it'll be over, when it'll be your last, is something that I will take away with the most; in a way, it's even reflected n the title to me, too. A half-moon of a life yet to live - to make the most of the time you have. And even if the alternating story-telling unsettled me at first, once I got more familiar with it, I had the chance to see a heart-warming and deeply moving story unfold. 🤍
“It’s almost over,” I say. I don’t open my eyes. “And it might never be like this again.”
“But aren’t we lucky it happened at all,” he says. “What a summer.”
I applaud authors for doing things different than the norm, but I think the way the author decided to write the dual POVs for the characters in Half Moon Summer made it a little less enjoyable to read for me, despite how heart-breaking and emotional the story actually was. 😔
“What I want now
is to rewind
and repair.
Because how can I possibly be the person
who fixes things for other people
when all I do is think about myself?”
I liked the way the friendship between Drew and Mia was forged - both participating in Half Moon's half-marathon for their own personal reasons - but, they still find a way to share their personal problems and relate to one another. 🫶🏻 They have a shared past, which doesn't get revealed till much later, and I liked how it played an integral part in their character development. I may have sympathized with Drew's story more - because it was written in prose - whereas Mia's was written in verse. That caught me by surprise, and it almost felt like a disservice to Mia's own story - which was perhaps less critical than Drew's, but still just as important to her. 🙍🏻♀️
I will still say it was well-written at capturing that tether of adolescence of feeling lost and forgotten, while still trying to let go of the loneliness. And it's how the two of them were searching for that answer and inadvertently found it with each other was portrayed beautifully. 👍🏻👍🏻 They became really good friends and I liked how their competitive drive was included in the story - how they trained together to hone their running skills, pace themselves for long-distance and in the process, actually become so much more than just track companions.🏃🏻♂️🏃🏻♀️ They shared their grievances, opened up about what's bothering them - it became a genuine friendship over the summer that I believed was possible. 💜
“You have to promise me one more thing.” I can’t even tell him he’s not playing fair, because he looks like his heart might burst any second.
“Promise you won’t ever stop yourself from living your best life just because I’m not there.”
It's also a really heart-felt story about family and the relationship both protagonists have with their parents - longing for them and competing in this race - in a way to help them, make them proud of them. Mia was trying so hard to save their house and bring her father home to them - she was so committed to it, doing whatever it was in her power to convince others to see how much it meant to them. Drew's relationship with his father was so tender and fiercely devoted, and also the most painful one to witness. 💔💔
I didn't know such an ailment existed that had had affected him, but well, you learn something new every day - even from Middle Grade books. 'Only Dad’s best summer was all about being with me, and I’ve been low-key complaining about it the whole time.' And Drew's reaction really hurt me, his determination moved me, and his courage resonated with me. 😟 Drew's father was so upbeat, so proud, always encouraging, he was giving his son so much hope and promise that my heart hurt just reading it - knowing of the inevitable that is to come, but always so reassuring with his words. 🥺
The final scene, especially, after the race, when he reassures him of how he's still so proud of him, regardless of the race's results - that it's enough that he has a medal of his own - the strength to 'to watch everybody leave you behind and just keep going? {...} I don’t have a fancy medal like you, but I’m a Finisher too, Drew.' Yes, I teared up, at that - because you know it'll never be enough just to have them here with you now - knowing that there will never be a chance to have it again. 🫂🫂
“When Emily asked her most important question,
about whether anybody ever realizes
every minute of their life
right when they live it,
I answered with the Stage Manager
in the softest whisper
as the tears traced down my cheeks.
No.”
The underlying and beautiful message to make each day count, to not let the time go to waste, because you never know when it'll be over, when it'll be your last, is something that I will take away with the most; in a way, it's even reflected n the title to me, too. A half-moon of a life yet to live - to make the most of the time you have. And even if the alternating story-telling unsettled me at first, once I got more familiar with it, I had the chance to see a heart-warming and deeply moving story unfold. 🤍
May 11, 2023
4.5/5 stars
“That’s how the big changes happen: whether you like it or not.”
Told in beautiful language, Half Moon Summer is a heartfelt middle grade novel about friendship, family, and finding balance between not giving up and letting go what you cannot change.
The summer of Seventh Grade brings along many big changes for 12-year old Drew and Mia, that neither of them have asked for. Drew spends his first summer without his best friend Isaac, and finds himself coping with the news of his fathers recent diagnosis on his own. Mia has to divide her worries between her dying grandmother and her fathers financial troubles that threaten to lose them their family-house. The two strike up a friendship over a shared goal: training to run a half-marathon at the end of the summer. Each of them runs for reasons of their own, but along the way they learn that some tasks are to big to carry on your own, and you need the shoulder of a friend to lean on.
Half Moon Summer shines in its quiet moments and shows how these small displays of family-love and friendship are the once that matter most in the end. There are few big flashy moments or perilous adventures, but there is an emotional, character driven journey to be had here.
The story is told in dual POV, Drew’s sections being told in prose, and Mia’s in verse. The fact that this isn’t stated explicitly on the cover or publishers synopsis is a missed opportunity in my opinion, as I think this would help the book find its audience. Novels in verse aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I feel like “fair warning” will help with managing expectations and prevent disappointment. I personally really enjoyed the mixed format and loved the authors writing in general. The book is packed to the brim with quotable lines, beautiful prose and wisdoms beyond the years of its protagonists.
Therein lies one of the few complaints I have about the book. Without spoiling the story: the way Drew handles his fathers situation by the end of the book didn’t feel fully authentic to me. Admirable, yes, but maybe not too realistic for a 12-year-old-boy who’s only gotten this big news sprung on him. Grief in all its forms is a journey that takes time, and I personally would’ve loved to see Drew start that journey, but not necessarily being rushed to the end in order for the story to complete his arc. It’s okay to show kids that these things aren’t easy, and that it’s normal to take your time.
Apart from that minor point of critique, I wholeheartedly enjoyed and recommend this novel.
Many thanks to Peachtree Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“That’s how the big changes happen: whether you like it or not.”
Told in beautiful language, Half Moon Summer is a heartfelt middle grade novel about friendship, family, and finding balance between not giving up and letting go what you cannot change.
The summer of Seventh Grade brings along many big changes for 12-year old Drew and Mia, that neither of them have asked for. Drew spends his first summer without his best friend Isaac, and finds himself coping with the news of his fathers recent diagnosis on his own. Mia has to divide her worries between her dying grandmother and her fathers financial troubles that threaten to lose them their family-house. The two strike up a friendship over a shared goal: training to run a half-marathon at the end of the summer. Each of them runs for reasons of their own, but along the way they learn that some tasks are to big to carry on your own, and you need the shoulder of a friend to lean on.
Half Moon Summer shines in its quiet moments and shows how these small displays of family-love and friendship are the once that matter most in the end. There are few big flashy moments or perilous adventures, but there is an emotional, character driven journey to be had here.
The story is told in dual POV, Drew’s sections being told in prose, and Mia’s in verse. The fact that this isn’t stated explicitly on the cover or publishers synopsis is a missed opportunity in my opinion, as I think this would help the book find its audience. Novels in verse aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I feel like “fair warning” will help with managing expectations and prevent disappointment. I personally really enjoyed the mixed format and loved the authors writing in general. The book is packed to the brim with quotable lines, beautiful prose and wisdoms beyond the years of its protagonists.
Therein lies one of the few complaints I have about the book. Without spoiling the story: the way Drew handles his fathers situation by the end of the book didn’t feel fully authentic to me. Admirable, yes, but maybe not too realistic for a 12-year-old-boy who’s only gotten this big news sprung on him. Grief in all its forms is a journey that takes time, and I personally would’ve loved to see Drew start that journey, but not necessarily being rushed to the end in order for the story to complete his arc. It’s okay to show kids that these things aren’t easy, and that it’s normal to take your time.
Apart from that minor point of critique, I wholeheartedly enjoyed and recommend this novel.
Many thanks to Peachtree Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 26, 2023
A moving middle grade novel about Drew and Mia, two twelve-year-olds who spend the summer running together as they cope with family challenges. I really enjoyed the unique format of this book - told in alternating POVs between two friends with Drew's sections written in prose and Mia's sections written in verse. The story tackles tough topics (dying family members, money struggles, etc) and celebrates the power of friendship and finding the strength to persevere through difficult times. Good on audio too narrated by Mark Sanderlin and Charley Flyte. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
CW: parent diagnosed with ALS
CW: parent diagnosed with ALS
February 9, 2023
There are a lot of hard things that come with being a kid. In Half Moon Summer, the throughline of running helps young readers understand that something hard doesn't mean it's impossible. Through her standard grace of language, moments of laughter, and incomparable heart, Elaine Vickers shines a light on two kids dealing with real-life hard things and shows readers of all ages the importance and value of perseverance.
June 28, 2023
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review.
Wow, what a lovely and a little heartbreaking story that was. The plot follows 2 kids during summer. Drew feels lonely because his best friend Isaac moved away and he has no one around. His dad tries to make things better encouraging his son to start running as a habit during holidays. Mia's dad has to go to Alaska to take care of grandma and her family is in the middle of buliding a house so in order to save some money they move to Half Moon Bay. One day both of our main characters meet on the beach and start having a unique bond while running together.
I really enjoyed the fact that both narrations are different. Drew one is written like a typical novel while Mia's parts are slam poetry. They stand out from each other but also complement each other so much that it just makes sense. The story is complex, there is depth behind the whole idea of half marathon. The book shows you that we should enjoy things more when they happen and don't try to take anything for granted. It's bitter sweet but also important message and that is why I enjoyed this story so much.
Wow, what a lovely and a little heartbreaking story that was. The plot follows 2 kids during summer. Drew feels lonely because his best friend Isaac moved away and he has no one around. His dad tries to make things better encouraging his son to start running as a habit during holidays. Mia's dad has to go to Alaska to take care of grandma and her family is in the middle of buliding a house so in order to save some money they move to Half Moon Bay. One day both of our main characters meet on the beach and start having a unique bond while running together.
I really enjoyed the fact that both narrations are different. Drew one is written like a typical novel while Mia's parts are slam poetry. They stand out from each other but also complement each other so much that it just makes sense. The story is complex, there is depth behind the whole idea of half marathon. The book shows you that we should enjoy things more when they happen and don't try to take anything for granted. It's bitter sweet but also important message and that is why I enjoyed this story so much.
February 18, 2024
This was such a wholesome and lovely middle grade book! Every once in a while I like to take a break and read something meant for kids, and this was so refreshing and heartwarming. I loved the characters, the writing style and the setting. It has some great messages for kids and I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult as well!
January 27, 2025
Cute middle-grade book. Touches on some heavy themes, and inspired me to improve my running!
February 9, 2023
Full of heart and humanity, this is a beautiful story that reminds us that when we lean on each other, we can get through anything. I loved it!
June 18, 2023
Such a beautiful book about friendship, emotions big and small and just filled with love. And of course, running! Uff it made me miss the thrill of running longer and longer distances. This book was all the feel good with a lot of deep difficult situations of life and how one gets through it with love and encouragement. Proper recommend!
July 18, 2023
If this book isn't already in your library collection you need to get it immediately! I feel like this book could easily be a Newbery contender.
Drew and Mia slowly become friends as they decide to run in the half marathon both for very different reasons but both hope it can help their families. Drew's dad helps them along the way but he has a secret reason of his own for wanting to run this race with Drew.
Sweet and at times sad and hopeful, if that makes sense. This was one of those great middle grade books that gives you feelings about the characters by the end of this book you care so much about both of these families, and to me that is what makes a great middle grade book!
Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin as Drew and Charley Flyte as Mia, both did a wonderful job at the alternating characters and brought so much emotion to every scene so well done!!
Highly recommend this one on audio!
4 stars
I received this audiobook from the publisher PRHAudio for a fair and honest review.
Drew and Mia slowly become friends as they decide to run in the half marathon both for very different reasons but both hope it can help their families. Drew's dad helps them along the way but he has a secret reason of his own for wanting to run this race with Drew.
Sweet and at times sad and hopeful, if that makes sense. This was one of those great middle grade books that gives you feelings about the characters by the end of this book you care so much about both of these families, and to me that is what makes a great middle grade book!
Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin as Drew and Charley Flyte as Mia, both did a wonderful job at the alternating characters and brought so much emotion to every scene so well done!!
Highly recommend this one on audio!
4 stars
I received this audiobook from the publisher PRHAudio for a fair and honest review.
July 17, 2025
This was a really cute book (and sort of inspired by real life). Since there are some heavier subjects covered, I would recommend this for middle school and up. Note that sensitive children might especially have a hard time with this book. There is also one swear word, if that bothers people. Otherwise, it was very interesting with well-developed characters, and I particularly enjoyed the rotating points-of-view between the 2 main characters. It was a new take to see one character written in prose and one written almost in poetry.
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April 30, 2023This is such a beautiful book! The writing is lovely, and the two point of view characters are endearing, richly developed, and easy to root for. I loved the running, the setting, the unique central friendship, and the two distinct voices—one in prose and one in verse. This novel is heartbreaking but full of hope, insight, warmth, and even humor. This is character-driven middle grade at its best, imho!
May 6, 2023
Beautifully written middle-grade novel, written in both prose and poetry from two characters point of view! This is a story about two teens, each fighting their own battles, and working in harmony to support and encourage each other. The way this story develops it’s characters will be making you root for them beyond the end of this book. What other adventures will fill their intertwined lives? This is a 10/10 recommend from me! I loved every moment spent in this book!
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August 25, 2025*SC Junior Book Award Nominee 25-26*
I chose this one because the main characters are learning how to train for a half marathon and I’m just trying to learn how to… run! Ha! Anyway, challenging topics. Lots to think through here for middle schoolers: terminal illness, friendship, goal-setting, justice, responsibility, impact of gaming/screens, etc.
I got a little lost in Mia’s plot, but on the whole a solid novel for the target audience.
I chose this one because the main characters are learning how to train for a half marathon and I’m just trying to learn how to… run! Ha! Anyway, challenging topics. Lots to think through here for middle schoolers: terminal illness, friendship, goal-setting, justice, responsibility, impact of gaming/screens, etc.
I got a little lost in Mia’s plot, but on the whole a solid novel for the target audience.
August 7, 2023
This book was on an audiobook recommendation list, and although it’s middle school age, I started listening and was hooked. Artful storytelling that captures the lens through seventh graders see the world, while also reminding us that kids are more aware of what’s going on than we give them credit.
October 17, 2024
"Via distinct dual perspectives that alternate between Drew’s POV, told in compassionate prose, and Mia’s, conveyed in rhythmic verse, Vickers (Like Magic) vividly captures one emotionally turbulent summer filled with a friendship’s mutual trust and support." [Publishers Weekly]
November 28, 2024
I enjoyed the alternating perspectives of Drew and Mia. Drew's in prose and Mia's in verse (they seemed to match their way of thinking and personality). It made for a quick read. A great YA book that focuses on some difficult topics (chronic illness, moving, separation in a family, etc), but offers the importance of friendship and hope through hard times.
February 9, 2023
Gorgeously written, big-hearted book about tackling hard things and building lasting friendships.
August 10, 2023
Beautiful story told in alternating verse and prose about the fragility and wonder of life, appreciating the small moments, running, new and old friendship, music, and so much more. Loved this!
December 9, 2023
Drew and Mia’s stories intertwine and separate over and over again, always returning to the path. Their stories both show the value of resiliency; of taking one more step, running a little further, just breathe, breathe, breathe, and being there for each other. Theirs is a beautiful story of friendship and family and running.
January 3, 2024
A wonderful story about two 12 yr olds....born on the same day in the same hospital that form a beautiful bond. Wow! Loved it
June 15, 2024
This book captured my attention on the very first pages. Vickers created two great characters with very different voices and both made my heart happy. And crying there was crying along the way.
February 10, 2023
I love this story. Drew and Mia raced straight into my heart and had me rooting for them every step of the way.
July 9, 2023
A tale of two 12 year olds, Mia and Drew, and the paths life had taken them from meeting as newborns to present day. Through training for a half marathon, they come to grips with changing family dynamics, illnesses, and dreams they held tight too they learn to always put one foot in front of the other. This book alternates voices and writing styles and I highly recommend it!
July 19, 2023
Short but powerful middle grade coming of age novel. Addresses a lot of topics from finding yourself to disease to friendship. I liked both Mia and Drew and found myself rooting for them throughout.
December 17, 2025
This was a cute middle grade novel in verse! Not much to say except cute! I listened to it while I was also running and there were def many a thing they said about running where I also said yeah!
May 4, 2023
This was a dnf, because half a book in prose and the other half in verse just wasn't working for me. This is a me problem, nothing to do with the author or the book itself. 2.5 ⭐ rounded up.
April 4, 2023
I felt really lucky to get to read an advanced copy of this book! It’s a wonderful middle grade story that reads equally well for both boys and girls or for adults like me. :) Written half in verse, half in prose it is a funny and poignant journey that reminded me about some important lessons for my own journey—that there is no reverse in life, that I just have to keep living my best life in spite of, or possibly because, someone I love is no longer journeying with me, but that I can give myself grace because being a “finisher” is something to be proud of. This book made me cry and is full of a whole lot of love!
March 28, 2023
“You never know what you can do until you actually do it.” What happens when your morning runs turn into summer long trainings for a half-marathon? Drew and Mia both have very different reasons for running, but the one thing they have in common is hope. Hope for the future, their families and for each other.
This middle grade novel has all the feels, told from Drew’s perspective and Mia’s which is in verse. It tackles difficult subjects, parents get sick, grandparents die, and families are forced to make hard decisions.
Kids are resilient and friends are important. Sometimes it is our friends that help us talk about the hard stuff. “If you need me sooner, I’ll find a way to come back.”
“The thing about a best friend is, you believe them and even if almost everything else in the had changed, Isaac and I are still best friends.”
This middle grade novel has all the feels, told from Drew’s perspective and Mia’s which is in verse. It tackles difficult subjects, parents get sick, grandparents die, and families are forced to make hard decisions.
Kids are resilient and friends are important. Sometimes it is our friends that help us talk about the hard stuff. “If you need me sooner, I’ll find a way to come back.”
“The thing about a best friend is, you believe them and even if almost everything else in the had changed, Isaac and I are still best friends.”
April 25, 2023
This...this was painfully boring. I so badly wanted to like this because middle grades always tend to brighten my day but this was so hard to get through. I did like the characters and that was the only saving grace.
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