Shoot the Moon by Matt Beam

Today's read hits a row of reads from the Orca Book Publishers, which is aimed at teens who need a little more time when it comes to reading. I've hit several of the titles over the years and have enjoyed most of them, since they are aimed nicely at the age group and prove that not every 'good' read needs to be long and difficult. 

I'm looking forward to see if this upcoming title keeps pace with the others, which I've read. So, off we go!

SHOOT THE MOON

by Matt Beam

Orca Book Publishers

YA Contemporary

128 pages

COMING...

APRIL 15th!!!

Sixteen-year-old Charlie Abbott lives with her father, a once-brilliant mathematician subject to mood swings and depressive episodes.

Making sure her dad gets out of bed and takes his meds is part of Charlie's daily routine, but lately she’s been distracted by her crush, Lachlan. Her grades are slipping and her mom is starting to ask questions. When Lachlan finally asks her out, Charlie is over the moon—until she realizes that her father has disappeared. With only a note to go on, Charlie begins to retrace her father’s steps. Along the way, she meets people who help her understand not only where he might be but also who he really is. As she discovers the truth, her search takes on greater urgency and scope.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

GOODREADS    /    ORCA PUBLISHERS

MY TIDBITS

These moments hit home and pull at the heart strings in all the right ways.

Sixteen-year-old Charlie does her best to deal with her bi-polar father, whose been at rock bottom since her mother left and he didn't get the job as a professor in the math department. One day, she comes home from school to find him in a very good mood, which is great until, the next day, he takes off with the statement that he's going to 'Shoot the Moon'. Charlie knows she needs to find him quickly, but he's left very few clues behind. That isn't the most difficult aspect. however. While trying to find him, she discovers secrets, which twist everything she thought she knew about her parents upside-down.

This comes from a series of young adult books, which is thought for those teens whose talent isn't necessarily in the reading direction. The sentences are kept short, and the vocabulary mostly sticks in a comfortable realm. Yet, the plot holds the needed depth for YA readers and addresses situations they can identify with. And this book does a good job at all of these.

Not only is it a quick-paced, easy read, but the characters come across with natural flair and feel real. Their concerns are understandable, and they are the kind of people one would enjoy being friends with. Even the adults are kind, although they deal with problems in their own ways...sometimes right and sometimes wrong. There's a wonderful sense of family despite the parents being divorced and, now, leading their own lives. The problems Charlie faces are ones, which will be familiar to some, and her reactions are very understandable. Plus, there's hints of a beginning romance...although this aspect is kept heavily to the sidelines, since there are more important things going on in Charlie's life.

It's a read to enjoy from beginning to end, easy to tackle, and leaves a little food for thought.

And here he is...

Matt Beam is a writer, educator and photographer. He has written four YA and middle grade novels, and published two photographic picture books. Matt has lived in severa countries, including Guatemala, New Zealand and Australia, and in Vancouver, British Columbia. He now teaches at an elementary school dedicated to teaching students with dyslexia. He lives in Toronto with his family.