On My Honor
(PB), Clarion Books
(HC), Houghton Mifflin Yearling, 1987
Find it at your local bookseller or order online from:
Synopsis
Joel's best friend Tony drowns while they are swimming in the forbidden, treacherous Vermilion River. Joel is terrified at having to tell of his disobedience and overwhelmed by his feelings of guilt.
A riveting story of two boys whose friendship is abruptly cut short when one drowns while swimming in a forbidden river. This moving account tackles a difficult subject with understanding.
Resources
Read Marion's comments about On My Honor
This video is quite wonderful. Filmed for the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival in 2018, we have permission from Mr. Johnson, teacher of these talented students from Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, Tacoma, Washington, to post their work. Well done, students!
Awards
1987 ALA Newbery Honor Book
1987 ALA Notable Children's Book
School Library Journal Best Books of 1986
Booklist Editors' Choice
Publishers Weekly Choice: The Year's Best Books
Children's Book Award runner-up, Great Britain, 1988
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, North Dakota, 1989
William Allen White Award, Kansas, 1989
Golden Archer Award, Wisconsin, 1989
BBY, IRA selection for 1990
Janusc Korczak Literary Competition in Poland
Teachers' Choices, 1984, NCTE
Booklist Reviewers' Choice
Jane Addams Peace Association, 1984 Children's Book Award