Bird Lake Moon

I have always preferred Kevin Henkes picture books to his novels, but I kept an open mind as I read ”Bird Lake Moon”.

There is something about Henkes’ novels that seem uncomfortable to me as a reader.  It isn’t the the intense subject matter that makes me uncomfortable, rather it is that he seems to try too hard.  Henkes’ novels certainly aren’t contrived, but they don’t flow for me either.  I am too aware, as I read, that the narrative has an author and I am not lost in the story quite enough.

“Bird Lake Moon” brings together two young protagonists, each with a family in pain.  Mitch Sinclair’s father has recently left home for another woman.  Mitch and his mother come to her parent’s home on Bird Lake to help themselves adjust. 

Spencer Stone’s family owns the cottage next door, but have not used it for several years.  Spencer’s brother, Matty, drowned at the lake six years previous and the family’s brave return to the site provides additional conflict for the story.  Random acts committed by Mitch are noticed by Spencer who assumes they are signs from Matty’s ghost.

The narrative leaves too many questions unanswered, I believe, to be satisfying to middle school readers.  Why is Cherry crabby?  Why does Mitch call his grandmother Cherry?  What did happen to Matty? 

Too much vapor – not enough substance.

Too much art – not enough action and drama.

Too much conflict – not enough character development.

I have always preferred Kevin Henkes picture books to his novels.  After reading “Bird Lake Moon” … I still prefer his picture books.