Okay, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Usually I'm not one for historical fiction, but Kit Pearson didn't try to drown you in facts about the war- she gave you an interesting look onto the life of a war guest living in Canada during World War II. It's the second book in a trilogy- following "The Sky is Following", and after "Looking at the Moon" came "And the Lights Go On Again." I have read all three books, and I can honestly say that this one was definitely my favorite. Norah is only thirteen years old, but she's been through a lot for someone so young. After leaving England when she was nine years old due to the German bombs being dropped down onto her town, Norah has had to learn to fit in her new Canadian school and new Canadian neighborhood. She's got her younger brother Gavin to take care of too, and on top of it all is her strict, upper-class foster mother who can't seem to understand Norah at all. But in the summer before the eighth grade, Norah gets to escape from it all- even if only for two months. She and her new foster family are spending their summer at Gairloch, the elegant cottage in Muskoka. But once Norah arrives there, she is surprised to find out she isn't alone- with them travels Andrew, the handsome and intelligent foster cousin she's never met before. Soon Norah and Andrew become great friends. She learns that he is in training to become a soldier in the war. But only Norah knows that Andrew doesn't really want to join the war at all- he'd rather be an actor. But Andrew knows what his friends and family expect of him, so at the end of the book he travels off to fight for his country. I know that "Looking at the Moon" isn't for everyone. It can be slow-paced and normal at some points, and since it takes place in the forties most things sound dated. But I would definitely reccomend reading this book- it's informative, touching, and funny all at the same time.
While not as striking as The Sky Is Falling, the second installment of the Guests of War trilogy is still wonderfully written and relatable. I mean #jokes I'm basically still thirteen-year-old Norah, hopelessly in love with someone who's entirely out of her league, making up ridiculous fantasies that will never come true, and having the tenacity to believe those fantasies might come true. This book really emphasizes how truly horrible unrequited feelings are, and is set in the beautiful Muskokas. I mean, what more do you want? Also, fun fact, I still picture Gairloch and the Ogilvies' property the EXACT SAME as I did when I was a kid. Like, exactly the same. #taleasoldastime #orjustboringimagination? #doallcottageslookthesametome #whostosay
What do You think about Looking At The Moon (1993)?
gr 6-8 212pgsSummer 1943 Gairloch Canada. 13 year old Norah and her 8 year old brother Gavin are still living as war guests with the Ogilvie family. Every summer, the Ogilivie clan gathers at the family summer home "Gairloch". Norah still misses her parents and England, but this summer her thoughts are filled by Andrew, her 19 year old "cousin", who has come to spend the summer at the cabin along with the rest of the family. I would recommend this book to someone interested in coming of age stories or stories about a preteen's first crush. Since this story has Norah experiencing puberty, I'd recommend this story to gr 6+. You don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this one
—Miss Amanda
Three years have passed since Norah and Gavin evacuated to Toronto. During summer vacation, the Ogilvie’s take Norah and Gavin on a train trip to Vancouver to meet some Ogilvie relatives. Then, to Norah and Gavin’s delight, they spend August at Gairloch, the Drummond family’s lakeside retreat. (Aunt Florence’s maiden name is Drummond.) For Norah, one heavenly month at Gairloch means fresh air, moonlight walks, canoe rides, fishing, and sleeping in the girl cousin dormitory. Norah loves the nature, the peace, and the freedom from Aunt Florence’s scrutiny. Then, nineteen year-old cousin Andrew Drummond arrives at Gairloch, and thirteen year-old Norah falls hopelessly in love.
—Books Kids Like
To be honest with you guys I wanted to give this 4 stars. But at the same time I feel like the ending was kind of rushed. That was what bothered me so much. But the book itself while I was reading it throughout was AMAZING, I could never put it down. But my heart also really wanted Norah and the guy to end up together
—Anaam
