A review by quietjenn
The Moon Over High Street by Natalie Babbitt

2.0

Hey, remember that episode of "The Simpsons" where Mr. Burns adopts Bart, because he thinks he's going to die soon? This is sort of like that, only, not as good. Because at least Mr. Burns had a good reason for adopting Bart, something more compelling than "Hey, kid that I just met. You are polite and your parents are dead. Also, your last name is Polish, so I think I want to adopt you." Um, really? Very random, not at all convincing. Nor was quite a bit of other stuff here. Overall, I think the best word to describe this book is "sketchy," in many senses of the word. Unoriginal and forgettable work, too.

Is that too harsh? Points for, er, an Ohio setting, which always make my Buckeye heart go pitter-patter. And I do think that, had the premise/town/characters been properly developed, it would've made for a nice little outing. Alas.

Oh! Also! Totally not Babbitt's responsibility, but: that is some might bad jacket copy. It's probably petty to mention that, but it irked me incredibly. Somebody should get called to the office for that one.