cover image Blue Moon

Blue Moon

Hila Feil, Feil. Atheneum Books, $14.95 (200pp) ISBN 978-0-689-31607-4

Still reeling from her parents' divorce, Julia arrives on Cape Cod to spend the summer caring for Molly, an unhappy child who hasn't yet recovered from her mother's recent death. Almost from the start, Molly and Julia are united against Cheryl, Molly's squeaky-clean stepmother. This conflict escalates when Cheryl begins renovating the old house that belonged to Molly's mother. The bereaved girl, however, is convinced that her mother's spirit will put a stop to Cheryl's project. A string of eerie events persuades Julia that otherworldly forces are indeed present, and Molly is poised on the brink of danger before Julia takes action. Though this novel never quite achieves the precise interlocking metaphor of Joan Aiken's gothic tales, the author's skillful blend of a spooky plot, a delightfully cynical heroine and literary style is sure to appeal. Ages 10-14. (Mar.)