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50 pages 1 hour read

On My Honor

Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1986

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Book Brief

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Marion Dane Bauer

On My Honor

Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1986
Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Illinois • 1980s

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

750L

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Super Short Summary

In Marion Dane Bauer's novel On My Honor, Joel Bates is an obedient boy who embarks on a bike ride with his reckless friend Tony Zabrinsky to Starved Rock State Park. Disobeying his father's warnings, they divert to the dangerous Vermillion River. Tony proposes a swim, leading to a tragic accident that forces Joel to confront the heavy burden of guilt and the true meaning of honor. Topics involving grief and death are present in this book.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

6,933 ratings

63%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer receives praise for its gripping narrative and emotional depth, effectively engaging younger readers. However, some critics note the story's somber themes may be too intense for its target audience. The book's realistic portrayal of friendship and moral dilemmas is commendable, despite mixed opinions on its age-appropriateness.

Who should read this

Who Should Read On My Honor?

A reader who would enjoy On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer is a middle-grade reader aged 9-12 who appreciates emotionally rich narratives about friendship and responsibility. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson or Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo will find this book compelling.

4.2

6,933 ratings

63%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Illinois • 1980s

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

750L

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