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The Trouble with Half a Moon
Ever since her brother's death, Dellie's life has been quiet and sad. Her mother cries all the time, and Dellie lives with the horrible guilt that the accident that killed her brother may have been all her fault.
But Dellie's world begins to change when new neighbors move into her housing project building. Suddenly, men are fighting on the stoop and gunfire is sounding off in the night. In the middle of all that trouble is Corey, an abused five-year-old boy, who's often left home alone and hungry. Dellie strikes up a dangerous friendship with this little boy who reminds her so much of her brother. She wonders if she can do for Corey what she couldn't do for her brother—save him.
But Dellie's world begins to change when new neighbors move into her housing project building. Suddenly, men are fighting on the stoop and gunfire is sounding off in the night. In the middle of all that trouble is Corey, an abused five-year-old boy, who's often left home alone and hungry. Dellie strikes up a dangerous friendship with this little boy who reminds her so much of her brother. She wonders if she can do for Corey what she couldn't do for her brother—save him.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2011
13 people are currently reading
1449 people want to read
About the author
Danette Vigilante
10 books42 followersDanette Vigilante grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and continues to call NYC home, where she lives with her family and her energetic pup, Juniper.
Danette is the author of THE WAVES BENEATH THE SAND, PACK OF HEARTS, TIA LUGO SPEAKS NO EVIL, which has earned several accolades, including a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Gold Medal, a Bronze Medal at The Independent Publisher Book Awards for multicultural fiction (JUV/YA), and an Honorable Mention at the International Latino Book Awards. Her other works include THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON, a Sunshine State Young Readers Award nominee, and SAVING BABY DOE, named to the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing list.
A passionate advocate for literacy, Danette fosters a love of books in her community by maintaining a Little Free Library on her front lawn. Books and laughter are her favorite things, and she remains committed to inspiring young readers everywhere.
Danette is the author of THE WAVES BENEATH THE SAND, PACK OF HEARTS, TIA LUGO SPEAKS NO EVIL, which has earned several accolades, including a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Gold Medal, a Bronze Medal at The Independent Publisher Book Awards for multicultural fiction (JUV/YA), and an Honorable Mention at the International Latino Book Awards. Her other works include THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON, a Sunshine State Young Readers Award nominee, and SAVING BABY DOE, named to the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing list.
A passionate advocate for literacy, Danette fosters a love of books in her community by maintaining a Little Free Library on her front lawn. Books and laughter are her favorite things, and she remains committed to inspiring young readers everywhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 15, 2016
I went into this book expecting a cutesy, simple story as it is meant for ages 10 and up. But what I got was so much more than that. This story was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. The fact that it dealt with a very real issue made it even more stunning and made me fall completely in love with it. The characters were so well developed and that made becoming attached to them inevitable. This is truly a stunningly beautiful story and the fact that it ends it such a sad yet realistic way makes it all the more beautiful. Even though it broke my heart, I absolutely adored this book!
December 17, 2016
The Trouble with Half a Moon is such a heartbreaking story and beautifully written.
Because this book is told from the perspective of such a young girl, it made it so much more emotional.
I wasn't a big fan of the direction of Miss Shirley's character and I wished there was more communication between Dellie and her parents.
But other than that, I really enjoyed the story. It was a pretty short book but it didn't feel rushed. I really like the writing style and I loved Corey and Dellie's friendship.
Because this book is told from the perspective of such a young girl, it made it so much more emotional.
I wasn't a big fan of the direction of Miss Shirley's character and I wished there was more communication between Dellie and her parents.
But other than that, I really enjoyed the story. It was a pretty short book but it didn't feel rushed. I really like the writing style and I loved Corey and Dellie's friendship.
October 17, 2021
This was such a great book. It was a hard book at times too, & I shed some tears. This is the kind of book I’m ok to read even though it makes me sad. Because these stories are IMPORTANT, & need to be read. Unfortunately any kids deal with things like the ones in this book all too often, & I think putting this book in their hands would make them feel seen. Make them understand it’s NOT their fault. This pulled at my heart on so many different levels. From Dellie’s guilt she carries on her shoulders with her grief, the parents grief..then living somewhere that no longer feels safe..plus the judgements placed on all who live there, because of the ones who live there & do bad-judging ALL for actions of a FEW is always an ignorant choice. Then Dellie has a misunderstanding & other drama with her best friend, & a 1st crush on top of everything. Then there is Corey, who has my heart. Everything about him, his story..& what he comes to mean to Dellie..all so powerful. This is a beautifully heartbreaking story. It doesn’t sugarcoat these issues, & it doesn’t give you a happily ever after. But it gives you a story that makes you feel like you’ve read something life changing that makes you want to be better & do more, & gives you an ending that while isn’t happily ever after, it could have ended so much worse(as many real life ones sometimes do too often)..it is realistic & one you can live with & hope better things continued to happen as the story goes on in the land where finished stories continue on..lol Sounds silly, but I know what I mean. I also LOVED MISS Shirley, & thought she was such an intriguing & fascinating character. There’s also the smallest touch of magical realism in here in a way..some things left up to you whether you think it’s coincidence, a higher power, or a kind of magic. I’ve had things happen to me in life, & I knew it was God..no other explanation….HIGHLY recommend this. Loved it so much. Beautiful new cover by Baba Aminu Mustapha too!💜
August 4, 2018
The ending felt a little rushed, but that aside, this story was beautiful. Heartbreaking and gut wrenching at times, but beautiful.
January 20, 2019
I volunteered with the organization Behind the Book, and the students were working on a project based on this book, so I decided to read it, too. It was so incredibly sad, though beautifully told in a way that kids could process the feeling that came with difficult topics. This is definitely a book I would have enjoyed reading when I was younger.
September 13, 2017
This book is one om favorites. It will take you through heart break, fear, and happiness. This book will take you through a teenage girl Dellie's life that is filled with sorrow. Her younger brother dies and she feels guilty. Her parents won't let her outside because they are afraid of anything happening to her. She worries for Corey a abused 5 years old that lives in her apartment. This book has tragedy, friendship, and boy drama. This book is only 200 pages but it has a amazing story that i would read over and over again.
January 12, 2022
Full review- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/1...
beautiful middle grade story that revolved around Dellie’s life after her brother’s death and how she learned to let go of her guilt and have faith once again. The story was about tragedy, grief, loss, faith, friendship, teenage feelings, guilt, regrets, and love along with layers of other difficult subjects like abusive parents, bullying, and toxic relationship.
All characters had depth and just right description. Best part of the book was so many layers in the book. It gives such a clear picture on everything through middle grader’s perspective. I also loved the way author showed two different young relationships through Michael-Dellie and Kayla-Bryan both different and opposite, one sweet, lovely and positive while other was negative making readers see what is right thing in relationship. Through Dellie’s family, we see how each person deals with grief differently. The message of faith through half moon was amazing and title taken from it was perfect.
Why 4 stars-
I don’t get it why Dellie’s parents wouldn’t discuss grief and loss of Louis with Dellie. In the beginning, we see Dellie wasn’t sure if her parents blamed her for what happened to Louis and that remained a question. It was never discussed.
Overall, The Trouble with Half a Moon was lovely, emotive, and touching story with many layers and a great message. It was perfect for middle grade/teen readers.
I recommend this if you like,
realistic and relatable main character
story about loss and grief
well written characters
many layers
message of faith
beautiful middle grade story that revolved around Dellie’s life after her brother’s death and how she learned to let go of her guilt and have faith once again. The story was about tragedy, grief, loss, faith, friendship, teenage feelings, guilt, regrets, and love along with layers of other difficult subjects like abusive parents, bullying, and toxic relationship.
All characters had depth and just right description. Best part of the book was so many layers in the book. It gives such a clear picture on everything through middle grader’s perspective. I also loved the way author showed two different young relationships through Michael-Dellie and Kayla-Bryan both different and opposite, one sweet, lovely and positive while other was negative making readers see what is right thing in relationship. Through Dellie’s family, we see how each person deals with grief differently. The message of faith through half moon was amazing and title taken from it was perfect.
Why 4 stars-
I don’t get it why Dellie’s parents wouldn’t discuss grief and loss of Louis with Dellie. In the beginning, we see Dellie wasn’t sure if her parents blamed her for what happened to Louis and that remained a question. It was never discussed.
Overall, The Trouble with Half a Moon was lovely, emotive, and touching story with many layers and a great message. It was perfect for middle grade/teen readers.
I recommend this if you like,
realistic and relatable main character
story about loss and grief
well written characters
many layers
message of faith
January 15, 2011
On paper this book sounds heartbreaking, the actual delivery was not so heartbreaking. Yes Corey is adorable and his story is upsetting, but there were so many little things that bugged me about this story I couldn't really get into it emotionally. My main problem was with Miss Shirley. Let's put it this way: Miss Shirley is magical and she makes everything all better. I wasn't expecting the magical elements and I didn't like them either. I understand putting in a wise elder figure, but making her have special powers was just too much. It took away from Dellie learning about herself on her own which is part of the appeal of novels about young people (gah that expression makes me sound ridiculously old, haha). I didn't like the fact that Dellie's guilt for her brother Louis is never discussed with her parents, I would have thought that was a crucial part of her healing process.
To top it all off, Dellie's best friend Kayla is quick to throw away their friendship. I don't want to put spoilers in this review but it was very surprising and not in a good way. Kayla seemed like a good friend and that's all I'll say about it.
Like I said, above Corey is darling. Whose heart would not be torn when reading about a five-year old being abused? I also liked that Dellie was a well developed main character. She hates math (I can deeply relate to that) and she's in like with a guy named Michael. Michael isn't some tough guy with something to prove, he's gentle and good at math and it's a nice example of young (8th grade) love. I know I just got through saying that Kayla isn't the best of best friends but she has her own crush to deal with and that is portrayed nicely. I liked that there were two examples of relationships, both of them were subtle but it's clear which relationship is healthy and which is not. Through each member of Dellie's family, readers are introduced to the different ways we grieve. Dellie and her father internalize, Dellie's father throws himself into taking care of her mother. Dellie's mother cries and becomes overprotective. Dellie blames herself. These are all different ways we grieve and it's good to see how each character copes and comes to realize that the way they are handling the situation may not be the best way.
The Trouble With Half a Moon has a high emotional impact potential but the unsatisfactory (to me) way it was executed, kept me from really getting into the story. The 'mysterious sage' Miss Shirley, the lack of emotional closure that I felt Dellie received, and the sudden ending and other abrupt changes in character behavior kept the story from really reaching its potential. The friendship between Dellie and Kayla started off strong, but it had such a random low point that I had a hard time fathoming the change. I did like the crush details and the way grief was handled. The best part is in reading about Corey and Dellie's blossoming friendship. I also liked that Dellie wasn't this hardened character. Yes she kept everything to herself about how she felt, but she wasn't completely closed off just yet. Corey needs her but Dellie needs Corey as well.
I wouldn't highly recommend this book, but it's not a bad book.
To top it all off, Dellie's best friend Kayla is quick to throw away their friendship. I don't want to put spoilers in this review but it was very surprising and not in a good way. Kayla seemed like a good friend and that's all I'll say about it.
Like I said, above Corey is darling. Whose heart would not be torn when reading about a five-year old being abused? I also liked that Dellie was a well developed main character. She hates math (I can deeply relate to that) and she's in like with a guy named Michael. Michael isn't some tough guy with something to prove, he's gentle and good at math and it's a nice example of young (8th grade) love. I know I just got through saying that Kayla isn't the best of best friends but she has her own crush to deal with and that is portrayed nicely. I liked that there were two examples of relationships, both of them were subtle but it's clear which relationship is healthy and which is not. Through each member of Dellie's family, readers are introduced to the different ways we grieve. Dellie and her father internalize, Dellie's father throws himself into taking care of her mother. Dellie's mother cries and becomes overprotective. Dellie blames herself. These are all different ways we grieve and it's good to see how each character copes and comes to realize that the way they are handling the situation may not be the best way.
The Trouble With Half a Moon has a high emotional impact potential but the unsatisfactory (to me) way it was executed, kept me from really getting into the story. The 'mysterious sage' Miss Shirley, the lack of emotional closure that I felt Dellie received, and the sudden ending and other abrupt changes in character behavior kept the story from really reaching its potential. The friendship between Dellie and Kayla started off strong, but it had such a random low point that I had a hard time fathoming the change. I did like the crush details and the way grief was handled. The best part is in reading about Corey and Dellie's blossoming friendship. I also liked that Dellie wasn't this hardened character. Yes she kept everything to herself about how she felt, but she wasn't completely closed off just yet. Corey needs her but Dellie needs Corey as well.
I wouldn't highly recommend this book, but it's not a bad book.
March 13, 2011
Full review on Reader's Dialogue: http://readersdialogue.blogspot.com/2...
The voice of the novel, told in Dellie's words, is completely engaging and so real. It's straightforward, clear, and emotional at all the right points. Dellie's feelings are clearly portrayed, through her own words and through the things she does and the way she reacts to everything. Without Dellie coming straight out and telling the reader, her thoughts and reactions are very clear from the way she talks about what's going on. The way she deals with her grieving mother comes across especially well, as she talks about her mother's daily actions in an understated, matter-of-fact manner.
The themes of grief, blame, guilt, and love are all portrayed exceptionally well, on all levels of the plot. Dellie's interactions with Corey showcase how she feels about her brother, but the subplot of Dellie and Kayla's friendship helps bring these themes into greater relief, as Dellie grapples with the guilt, blame, and love of that relationship.
All the relationships of the story are shown really well. Every single one feels real and believable. I love the relationship between Dellie and Corey, and the one between Dellie and her dad as well. Both of those made me smile many times, and both felt completely natural - all of the relationships in the book do, really, but these two in particular struck me as extremely real.
Though told from a middle-schooler's point of view, there are shades of meaning in each character and their interactions. This book does something that is really tricky - it works well for giving middle-grade readers a real, clear picture of what could go on in real life, in relationships and in someone's own mind, and at the same time it gives enough information that an adult could pick up on and understand certain points that a middle-grade reader would not pick up on. I really like that. This book is definitely meant for middle-grade readers, but their parents can read along with them and enjoy and appreciate the book as well.
The voice of the novel, told in Dellie's words, is completely engaging and so real. It's straightforward, clear, and emotional at all the right points. Dellie's feelings are clearly portrayed, through her own words and through the things she does and the way she reacts to everything. Without Dellie coming straight out and telling the reader, her thoughts and reactions are very clear from the way she talks about what's going on. The way she deals with her grieving mother comes across especially well, as she talks about her mother's daily actions in an understated, matter-of-fact manner.
The themes of grief, blame, guilt, and love are all portrayed exceptionally well, on all levels of the plot. Dellie's interactions with Corey showcase how she feels about her brother, but the subplot of Dellie and Kayla's friendship helps bring these themes into greater relief, as Dellie grapples with the guilt, blame, and love of that relationship.
All the relationships of the story are shown really well. Every single one feels real and believable. I love the relationship between Dellie and Corey, and the one between Dellie and her dad as well. Both of those made me smile many times, and both felt completely natural - all of the relationships in the book do, really, but these two in particular struck me as extremely real.
Though told from a middle-schooler's point of view, there are shades of meaning in each character and their interactions. This book does something that is really tricky - it works well for giving middle-grade readers a real, clear picture of what could go on in real life, in relationships and in someone's own mind, and at the same time it gives enough information that an adult could pick up on and understand certain points that a middle-grade reader would not pick up on. I really like that. This book is definitely meant for middle-grade readers, but their parents can read along with them and enjoy and appreciate the book as well.
June 15, 2011
Vivid, affecting story about a family struggling to heal from great personal tragedy. An impressive debut novel.
December 19, 2021
Thank you so much to author Danette Vigilante for the ebook to read and review.
Wow, this book was heavy, emotional, raw, so intricately and delicately written. Wow was I not ready for that at all and honestly had no idea o was stepping into such a world when I started this.
This book is just exquisite and raw set in a poor New York apartment block we are shown the nitty gritty painful realistic life so many have there and it opens your eyes to a part of real life rarely written about.
Dellie our protagonist who totally melted me and made me connected instantly to the story goes through so much, dealing with the grief from her loss of her little brother and guilt she feels over it. Her parents grief and shut down trying to figure out how to live without him and barely hanging on. Being bullied and being sidelined by it all not having seen it coming. Experiencing having her first major crush. Most importantly though the deep kindness in her heart to stand up and be brave for a young boy who is being neglected and hurt, stopping at nothing no matter how scary a situation to protect him. I absolutely adored how much she cared for little Corey and how much he cared for her too.
This story as I said is very raw, heavy and emotional, I cried, my heart hurt and I felt everything with them all as I read this and my heart still feels the story even now after reading it and I think it will stay with me for a while.
Danette has such a perfect way of writing, describing a setting, portraying real people and real lives and of taking you to a place that even though you’ve never been to feels like you are literally there experiencing all this harrowing pain and real life scariness. She’s an extordinary story teller and I’m in awe of her talent.
Wow, this book was heavy, emotional, raw, so intricately and delicately written. Wow was I not ready for that at all and honestly had no idea o was stepping into such a world when I started this.
This book is just exquisite and raw set in a poor New York apartment block we are shown the nitty gritty painful realistic life so many have there and it opens your eyes to a part of real life rarely written about.
Dellie our protagonist who totally melted me and made me connected instantly to the story goes through so much, dealing with the grief from her loss of her little brother and guilt she feels over it. Her parents grief and shut down trying to figure out how to live without him and barely hanging on. Being bullied and being sidelined by it all not having seen it coming. Experiencing having her first major crush. Most importantly though the deep kindness in her heart to stand up and be brave for a young boy who is being neglected and hurt, stopping at nothing no matter how scary a situation to protect him. I absolutely adored how much she cared for little Corey and how much he cared for her too.
This story as I said is very raw, heavy and emotional, I cried, my heart hurt and I felt everything with them all as I read this and my heart still feels the story even now after reading it and I think it will stay with me for a while.
Danette has such a perfect way of writing, describing a setting, portraying real people and real lives and of taking you to a place that even though you’ve never been to feels like you are literally there experiencing all this harrowing pain and real life scariness. She’s an extordinary story teller and I’m in awe of her talent.
February 25, 2018
"The Trouble with Half a Moon" is a beautifully written story about a girl named Dellie as she has to overcome challenges between friendship, love, and emotional problems with one of her siblings. This book along with being enjoyable has many similarities with Danette Vigilante's later book like "saving baby doe"(which i strongly recommend checking out if you like this book as well). In the book Dellie grows up in a not so wealthy family, and the family all are depressed about an incident in which Dellie brother died from an accident that Dellie blames herself for. During the book she find a young boy named Corey who is an abused boy. The two of them go threw series of trials that will overall change Dellie's life. Some of these trails include saving Corey from his abusive mother, trying to regain an old friendship she had, and lastly trying to fight her own mental an emotional chains that of her dead brother caused her to feel. I think that this book i well written and kept me entertained form start to end. I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up and also the rest of the books Danette Vigilante because they have great plots twist and exciting relate able trials that people face.
October 30, 2017
I wasn't expecting much from this book I thought it would be a book that was innocent. This book had me crying most of the way through. I also got really angry at most parts. When Corey's mother was abusing him I was furious and sad. Also when Dellie was getting picked on by everyone that infuriated me. This book had me feeling all kinds of sentiments and I kept needing to know what would happen. I was hoping that at the end Corey would get adopted by Dellie's parents
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2018
Wow. Just wow. This book hurt my heart in so many ways, but then warmed me completely at the same time. Definitely tw for child abuse and panic, but worth the read. I will definitely be reading this one again.
January 7, 2022
I expected something supernatural to be honest but I was pleasantly surprised and touched by this book.
May 3, 2017
I really liked this book love the story.
December 30, 2017
It's a tragic story with a satisfying ending. Everything falls into place. I like it more than I thought!
March 18, 2017
Very good book :)
December 6, 2020
Even though it’s aimed at a younger audience, it’s a beautiful read! A lot more emotional than I expected, really enjoyed it.
November 17, 2010
This was originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing.
The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante was a sweet story. Looking back over the notes I wrote while reading this book, and just after, 'sweet' is the word that kept popping up.
Dellie is struggling with grief and guilt after the death of her younger brother. He died in an accident that she blames herself for. It's been a year since his death and her family is struggling. Her mom won't let her leave the house, except to go to school and then she insists on having Dellie's dad walk with her, to keep her safe.
Dellie struggles with this, but accepts this and watches the activities outside from her bedroom window. One day, a little boy knocks on Dellie's door, asking for food. His mother is neglectful and more interested in her boyfriend and (we assume) doing drugs that giving the 5 year old the care he needs. Corey reminds Dellie of her brother, and she tries to take care of him.
I loved Corey. He was my favorite character in this whole story. He's just the cutest little boy, and my heart broke a little watching the way his mother treated him and observing the pain he goes through daily. He attaches himself to Dellie quickly, and although she is scared to have someone depend on her again for fear she'll let them down, she loves him too.
Dellie learns a lot from her interactions with Corey, and those lessons become cemented in her mind and life with the help of Miss Shirley, the Jamaican woman who just moved into their apartment complex.
Although I rather liked Miss Shirley, I didn't love her inclusion in the story. She just happened to be the solution to every problem the characters faced, and I found myself watching instance after instance of 'Shirley ex machina', and it got a little old. It got to the point that I just waited for the characters to bump into Miss Shirley, because I knew it just had to be coming.
I also wish the story had a little more depth to it. It's a really big deal to be 13 and believe that you are the reason your brother is dead, and in the beginning of the story, Dellie comments that sometimes she wonders if her parents blame her but, we never hear about it again. That is a very important conversation to have. I don't think Dellie can forgive herself, even if she comes to realize it wasn't her fault if she wonders whether or not her parents blame her. It wasn't addressed as well or as thoroughly as I would have liked/thought was necessary.
There was also surprisingly little depth to most of the characters. I felt like we only got to see one side of each character and that was all we were given. Even the moments we caught a glimpse of something more within the characters, the author moved past the scene without expounding on anything. I felt that the story was too rushed, too quick for the story it told. This is a story I felt deserved more. It could have been great, but too much was glossed over or left entirely unexplored.
I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this book to someone, but I also wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it.
The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante was a sweet story. Looking back over the notes I wrote while reading this book, and just after, 'sweet' is the word that kept popping up.
Dellie is struggling with grief and guilt after the death of her younger brother. He died in an accident that she blames herself for. It's been a year since his death and her family is struggling. Her mom won't let her leave the house, except to go to school and then she insists on having Dellie's dad walk with her, to keep her safe.
Dellie struggles with this, but accepts this and watches the activities outside from her bedroom window. One day, a little boy knocks on Dellie's door, asking for food. His mother is neglectful and more interested in her boyfriend and (we assume) doing drugs that giving the 5 year old the care he needs. Corey reminds Dellie of her brother, and she tries to take care of him.
I loved Corey. He was my favorite character in this whole story. He's just the cutest little boy, and my heart broke a little watching the way his mother treated him and observing the pain he goes through daily. He attaches himself to Dellie quickly, and although she is scared to have someone depend on her again for fear she'll let them down, she loves him too.
Dellie learns a lot from her interactions with Corey, and those lessons become cemented in her mind and life with the help of Miss Shirley, the Jamaican woman who just moved into their apartment complex.
Although I rather liked Miss Shirley, I didn't love her inclusion in the story. She just happened to be the solution to every problem the characters faced, and I found myself watching instance after instance of 'Shirley ex machina', and it got a little old. It got to the point that I just waited for the characters to bump into Miss Shirley, because I knew it just had to be coming.
I also wish the story had a little more depth to it. It's a really big deal to be 13 and believe that you are the reason your brother is dead, and in the beginning of the story, Dellie comments that sometimes she wonders if her parents blame her but, we never hear about it again. That is a very important conversation to have. I don't think Dellie can forgive herself, even if she comes to realize it wasn't her fault if she wonders whether or not her parents blame her. It wasn't addressed as well or as thoroughly as I would have liked/thought was necessary.
There was also surprisingly little depth to most of the characters. I felt like we only got to see one side of each character and that was all we were given. Even the moments we caught a glimpse of something more within the characters, the author moved past the scene without expounding on anything. I felt that the story was too rushed, too quick for the story it told. This is a story I felt deserved more. It could have been great, but too much was glossed over or left entirely unexplored.
I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this book to someone, but I also wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it.
April 28, 2012
I don't normally read or review middle grade or teen novels. But I decided to take a chance on this one because the synopsis intrigued me. I picked it up around 10 o'clock at night. I was only going to read the first chapter just to get an idea of the books flow and characters. Next thing I know its 230 in the morning and I'm sitting with the book in one hand, wiping away tears with the other. An incredibly touching book, with real insight into what a young girl of 13 feels about life, love, friendship and the death of her young brother.
We first meet Delilah, Dellie to her friends, one late evening as the sound of a gun shot wakes up Dellie and her parents and the other residents of the building. They live in an apartment building in the poorer side of town and everyone knows you don't go out at night. They live on an upper floor and the shot was somewhere on the first floor. When her dad leaves the apartment to see what he can find out about the shot, Dellie and her mom are left alone, very afraid. Dellie's dad comes back saying everything is okay, and the small family go back to bed, still fearful, none of them sleeping, all of them thinking of Louis, Dellie's little brother who died just months ago.
Corey is a 5 year old boy who lives with his abusive mother on the first floor of the building. Corey is always hungry and several people in the building sneak him food, including Dellie. She is afraid her parents will find out and put a stop to it. She's also afraid if they see Louis they will become upset because he is so very like Louis.
Dellie and her friend Kayla walk to school together in the mornings, but because her parents fear for her safety, Dellie's father walks several feet behind them until they arrive at the school. Dellie is 13 and while she misses her brother so very much, she still wants to be like her friends, able to go outside and play, to walk by herself to school, and to go to the store. But the trauma her parents suffered with the lose of Louis, her little brother, they will not let her out of their sight. They fear the only way to keep her safe is to keep her close and in sight at all times. Her friend Kayla one day stops talking to her and won't tell her whats wrong. Dellie's life is spiraling down, and then Michael, a boy in her school talks to her and a new neighbor, Miss Shirley, moves into the building.
This is the story of a young girl, her guilt over her brother's death and the part she played in it, the difficulties of friendship, first romance and over-protective parents.
And while this might sound like a depressing read, let me assure you it is not! The author weaves an incredible story that is filled with hope, love and personal redemption. It is truly remarkable how the author knows a teenager's thinking and thoughts so well.
This novel is perfect reading for middle grade to teen readers as well as adults who like a well told, though simply worded book.
I won this book through GoodReads and my review was unsolicited.
We first meet Delilah, Dellie to her friends, one late evening as the sound of a gun shot wakes up Dellie and her parents and the other residents of the building. They live in an apartment building in the poorer side of town and everyone knows you don't go out at night. They live on an upper floor and the shot was somewhere on the first floor. When her dad leaves the apartment to see what he can find out about the shot, Dellie and her mom are left alone, very afraid. Dellie's dad comes back saying everything is okay, and the small family go back to bed, still fearful, none of them sleeping, all of them thinking of Louis, Dellie's little brother who died just months ago.
Corey is a 5 year old boy who lives with his abusive mother on the first floor of the building. Corey is always hungry and several people in the building sneak him food, including Dellie. She is afraid her parents will find out and put a stop to it. She's also afraid if they see Louis they will become upset because he is so very like Louis.
Dellie and her friend Kayla walk to school together in the mornings, but because her parents fear for her safety, Dellie's father walks several feet behind them until they arrive at the school. Dellie is 13 and while she misses her brother so very much, she still wants to be like her friends, able to go outside and play, to walk by herself to school, and to go to the store. But the trauma her parents suffered with the lose of Louis, her little brother, they will not let her out of their sight. They fear the only way to keep her safe is to keep her close and in sight at all times. Her friend Kayla one day stops talking to her and won't tell her whats wrong. Dellie's life is spiraling down, and then Michael, a boy in her school talks to her and a new neighbor, Miss Shirley, moves into the building.
This is the story of a young girl, her guilt over her brother's death and the part she played in it, the difficulties of friendship, first romance and over-protective parents.
And while this might sound like a depressing read, let me assure you it is not! The author weaves an incredible story that is filled with hope, love and personal redemption. It is truly remarkable how the author knows a teenager's thinking and thoughts so well.
This novel is perfect reading for middle grade to teen readers as well as adults who like a well told, though simply worded book.
I won this book through GoodReads and my review was unsolicited.
August 26, 2020
Heartfelt and warming. Excellent read.
February 13, 2011
This is a sweet MG novel about a thirteen-year-old girl named Dellie who has suffered the loss of her brother. She's not allowed to go out much because her mother wants to keep her only remaining child safe, yet her building has an increase in crime. Dellie bonds with an abused five-year-old boy in her building named Corey, meanwhile things are becoming rocky with her best friend Kayla. THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON is a quick, enjoyable read with interesting facets of love, loss, being protected and being a protector.
August 1, 2014
This was a very touching and beautiful story about family, friends, and faith. A huge lesson learned.
July 8, 2015
This book is AMAZING right when you thinbknothing else can happen theres another suprise
October 16, 2016
I went into this book not excepting much but loved it . Such a heart-rending story told by a girl going through a hard time. Love it . It's a easy read.
January 3, 2017
Very good and suspenseful.... I really like it it was super intense. VERY GOOD BOOK! READ IT!!!
October 14, 2021
A thirteen-year-old girl growing up in the projects faces all sorts of challenges. But even readers who are living in other home situations will find plenty of reasons to connect with Delilah - or Dellie, as she's called. She's crushing on the cutest boy in her seventh grade classes, and she's getting the hint that he might just be crushing on her, too. Her best friend gets mad at her, and she endures the social sabotage thrown at her by a rebellious classmate who delights in making her suffer. Her math grades are terrible, and the new substitute teacher isn't cutting anyone any slack. And to top it all off, her overly protective mother doesn't allowed her to go outside and play with the other kids after school.
Many of these woes probably sound normal to other kids. What isn't normal is Dellie's burden of guilt. Her younger brother died last year, and she's sure it was her fault. Her mom isn't coping well, and the whole family suffers. Do her parents blame her?
And then there's Corey, a small boy in the projects who's eternally hungry and always begging for food. There's more to his story, and Dellie really wants to make his life better. I ached for her attempts, knowing they were fueled by a longing to somehow make up for her brother's death.
How much can one small girl be expected to handle? What hidden hurts do we all carry? How do they affect our behavior? Nearly everyone in Dellie's world has been changed by something bad in their past. Some have triumphed, others have not. What must be accepted and what can be fought against? Is change possible? When should we let go and when should we hold on even more tightly? So many questions to think about! But, happily, the message that came through to me the clearest was 'stronger together'. I hope that young readers pick up some advice on how to face down their own inner demons, and feel more secure in seeking help from family and friends.
My thanks to author Danette Vigilante for gifting me with a copy of her book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Many of these woes probably sound normal to other kids. What isn't normal is Dellie's burden of guilt. Her younger brother died last year, and she's sure it was her fault. Her mom isn't coping well, and the whole family suffers. Do her parents blame her?
And then there's Corey, a small boy in the projects who's eternally hungry and always begging for food. There's more to his story, and Dellie really wants to make his life better. I ached for her attempts, knowing they were fueled by a longing to somehow make up for her brother's death.
How much can one small girl be expected to handle? What hidden hurts do we all carry? How do they affect our behavior? Nearly everyone in Dellie's world has been changed by something bad in their past. Some have triumphed, others have not. What must be accepted and what can be fought against? Is change possible? When should we let go and when should we hold on even more tightly? So many questions to think about! But, happily, the message that came through to me the clearest was 'stronger together'. I hope that young readers pick up some advice on how to face down their own inner demons, and feel more secure in seeking help from family and friends.
My thanks to author Danette Vigilante for gifting me with a copy of her book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 5, 2020
I think this book just tried to cram too many things into such a short book. It tackled grief, death, abuse, betrayal and pretty much anything else under the sun. It also seemed like the main character was replacing her younger brother. I just felt like this could have been executed better.
Read
May 31, 2021Okay.
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