Walk Two Moons

Creech, S. ( 1994). Walk Two Moons. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Sal is a thirteen-year old girl who recently lost her mother in a bus accident in Idaho.  In a quest to say goodbye to her mother, her grandparents are taking her on a road trip to retrace her mothers footsteps from Ohio to Idaho, with stops at historical landmarks along the way.  During her trip, she tells her grandparents the story of her friend Phoebe and her mother's disappearance.  She tells the story of how Phoebe's mother disappears, the strange notes that appear on Phoebe's porch, and a mysterious stranger that knocks on Phoebe's door one day.  Through telling  Phoebe's story and the trip out west, Sal comes to grips with her own mother's leaving and death. 

This is a story of understanding the ones you love the most and understanding their point of view.  It is an intricate story with many stories within a story, starting with Sal's own mother leaving after losing a baby.  Then there is the plot of Phoebe and her own mother leaving, after being reunited with her son she gave up for adoption many years ago.   The plots are filled with mystery, emotions, and  interesting characters.  The theme "Don't  judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins" is entwined throughout the book.   The main character Sal learns of friendship, hope, and loss through her journey.  This book is recommended for upper elementary aged children.