Once in a Blue Moon

By: Sharon G. Flake

Narrated by: Isaiah Seward

A beautiful and uplifting novel in verse about family, friendship, journeys that take us far from home and back again, renewed and more courageous from the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winner of The Skin I'm In!

James Henry used to be brave. He hasn't been the same since that fateful night at the lighthouse when his ma went searching for Dog. Now months later, he feels as small as the space between the numbers on a watch, nervous day and night, barely able to go outside. Even words have a hard time leaving his mouth. The only person he speaks to is Hattie, his courageous twin sister, who fiercely protects him, especially from bullies.

James Henry wants nothing more than to be brave again. However, finding his voice will mean confronting the truth about what happened at the lighthouse-a step James Henry isn't sure he can take. Until a blue moon is forecast, and as Gran has said, everything is possible under a rare blue moon . . .

* "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." —The Horn Book, starred review

Critic reviews

★ "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." —The Horn Book, starred review

“The theme of recovery after deep trauma shines brightly.” —Kirkus Reviews

"A poignantly compelling intergenerational story that underlines themes of community and family, forgiveness, grief, and healing." —Publishers Weekly

"A beautiful story written in verse." —The Root

A beautiful story

This was such a beautiful, honest, and uplifting story. Well-developed characters. Allusions to tough issues without being preachy or scary, or too educational. I loved the author’s note as well.