Dillon Dillon

by Kate Banks

What kind of parents would name their child Dillon Dillon?

For his tenth birthday, Dillon's parents give him a red rowboat with his name painted on the Dillon Dillon. Why did his parents give him a name like that? To Dillon, it seems like the right time to find out. The truth alters everything Dillon has ever known or felt about himself and his family. But with the rowboat Dillon finds a new freedom as he embarks on a journey that takes him back to his beginnings. His discovery of an island and his memorable encounters with a pair of nesting loons bring him face-to-face with the magic and wonder of life. And though he cannot decipher all its mysteries, Dillon acquires, through these legendary birds, an understanding and acceptance of the world and his place in it.

In a powerful story full of questions, Kate Banks creates a character full of hope and courage. He lets us know what he is thinking - and it's this inner dialogue that we respond to, his constant bewilderment at the way things are that makes us love Dillon Dillon, from his crazy name to his tenacious spirit.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Kate Banks has written many books for children, among them Max’s Words, And If the Moon Could Talk, winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and The Night Worker, winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She grew up in Maine, where she and her two sisters and brother spent a lot of time outdoors, and where Banks developed an early love of reading. “I especially liked picture books,” she says, “and the way in which words and illustrations could create a whole new world in which sometimes real and other times magical and unexpected things could happen.” Banks attended Wellesley College and received her masters in history at Columbia University. She lived in Rome for eight years but now lives in the South of France with her husband and two sons, Peter Anton and Maximilian.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/katebanks

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dillon Dillon. Who would name their child with the same first and last names? Dillon doesn't know. And sometimes, he feels like an outsider in his family because of it. During a vacation in New Hampshire, Dillon learns a family secret that hurts him deeply... but with the help of a family of loons, he's able to heal and learn the true meaning of family bonds.

Not sure how the average child will like this - metaphorical readers, or readers who enjoy Cynthia Voigt's writing style, will like this one. Very evocative writing, and most of the story is about Dillon's inner life. Richly written and moving.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Dillon's 10th Birthday, he learns parents were killed; was adopted by his aunt & uncle

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful coming of age story.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beautiful writing, I just really wasn’t a fan of this book and I found it boring.

[Jennifer Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was lovely. Dillion himself was such unique and curious character. I read straight through the book because I wanted to hear all of Dilion’s thoughts.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times this was slow, but I’m glad I continued with it. The ending tied everything together well.

[Baoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Dillon Dillon is a good book because it reminds me of myself. I think about how some of our problems in life is the same .The characters are Dillon's dad,his mom,his little sister Daisy,his older brother Didier,and a girl named Eunice.What happens in the story is Dillon goes to his cottage in the summer and has a connection with two loons who lives on a little island in the lake and Dillon finally finds out why his name is Dillon Dillon.When I'm older I seriously will remember this book because it really toughs me a lot.It's like the best book I've read,well one of my favorite books.That's what I think about this book.Also I think you will like it to.

[Laura Papsun · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about a boy in early adolescence who discovers the true meaning of unconditional love, family, and identity. While there is not much nonstop action, the author takes a more subtle approach detailing Dillon Dillon's thoughts and realizations as he discovers the truth about his unusual name and his family. If you enjoy nature, you will probably enjoy this book. I think most adolescents -- boys or girls -- will be able to identify with this main character.

[Wil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rising action doesn't rise very quickly. There is an absence of significant conflict for much of the story--then it hits late in the story! A good coming of age story for a middle school audience. I appreciate the author's invitation for us to examine parallels between human lives and happenings in the natural world. After reading this I bet your curiosity about loons increases. I read this as a read-a-loud with my advisory.

[Readersaurus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, sad, thoughtful book about a boy growing up and discovering who he is. There's a magical part in which he has a lovely relationship with a pair of nesting loons.

I think lots of young teens would like to read this book, if they can get past the detail that the main character is ten.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, Quick read. I read it myself, and then read it again with my 8 and 10 year old. Kate Banks, did a wonderful job developing the main character, and taking us on a beautiful journey filled with ups and downs. I really enjoyed the setting in nature.

[Robynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A juvenile title that is tender and thoughtful. A ten year old learns the reason he is named Dillon Dillon. Kate Banks is an excellent writer.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its the BEST book i have EVER read!!!!!!!! i think everybody should take a look at it:)

[10-11 Kaylyn]

It was AMAZING!exelent book full of adventure.

[Kixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

adoption story

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quietly beautiful little book! Banks depicts the mind of a ten-year-old with intelligence and honesty. So many poignant, poetic images.

[Kesean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because it is a interesting. This book is a good historical fiction.

[Alexander Zalessky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book, pretty simple, and suited for pre-teen audience. Yet I found it fun, and moving, and it made me search for loon sounds on YouTube. Which are much more scary than you may anticipate.