What The Moon Said

What The Moon Said

Juvenile historical fiction
Esther, narrator of Gayle Rosengren's What The Moon Said, is one
of those multitudes of children whose lives were drastically altered
by the Great Depression. When her father loses his job he decides to
give farming a try, going back to his early agricultural roots.
Despite initial misgivings, she decides it might be a change for the
better, a chance for her family to be happy.
There is a lot to get used to. The farmhouse is shabby and
bleak with an outhouse and no electricity. They won't be able to
listen to the radio which then was the major home news and
entertainment source. But there are farm animals including a dog.
At church Esther is befriended by warm, outgoing Bethany. At
school they become the best of friends. When they get together at the
4th of July festivities Esther's superstitious mother makes her family
leave early and warns Esther she must not stay away from Bethany
because of a mole on her face. It is the mark of angry fairies and a
warning for others to stay away from her dangerous presence.
What The Moon Said gives young readers a great introduction to
the Great Depression and the precariousness of life then for children
and families. Esther is a spunky, resilient heroine, striving to make
sense and the best of the unpredictablity in her life.
On a personal note, we celebrated Fathers Day with a lovely meal at
Amber and Brian's home.
A great big shout out goes out to dads.
Julia Emily Hathaway



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