On My Honor

by Marion Dane Bauer

"On my honor," Joel says to his father when he promises not to go anywhere except the park. But then Joel challenges his best friend, Tony, to a swimming race in a fast-moving river. Joel knows it's dangerous, but who knew one decision could change his entire life? Both boys jump in, but when Joel reaches the sandbar, he finds Tony has vanished. How can he face their parents and the terrible truth?

A devastating but beautiful meditation on guilt and redemption, this simply told story will linger in readers' minds long after they have turned the final heartbreaking page.

Ages: 11, 12, 13
Interest Level: Grades 6 - 8
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.6
Lexile Measure: 750L
DRA: 40
Guided Reading: S
Publisher: BANTAM BOOKS (CHILDREN)
Number of Pages: 90
Genre: Realistic Fiction

About the Author

Marion Dane Bauer Bauer is a remarkably prolific author who has received critical acclaim for her ability to step inside the viewpoint of a child. Her best-selling novel On My Honor was named a Newbery Honor Book, one of countless awards and citations Bauer has received for her work over the years.