Mitchell on the Moon, written by R.W. Alley, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Noor E.
Summary: Mitchell and his siblings are about to go trick-or-treating. Gretchen notices that a part of the moon is missing and Mitchell realizes she is right and that he needs to go save it. Since he is dressed up as a sorcerer of space for halloween, he climbs up to the moon with his friends. He casts a spell to help him accomplish that. They then see that Jack-O-Lanterns, which they call Jack-O-Jerks biting the moon. A battle ensues and Mtichell notices he has a sidekick. Magic is spun and the moon is saved. “After a snack of roasted pumpkin seeds, they headed out into the moon-bright evening.”

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a somewhat funny, adventurous and gentle trick-or-treating book. More experienced readers will begin to notice important literary devices, such as plot, setting, climax, conflict, theme, and solution. It can lead to a discussion of their significance. It can also encourage readers to want to help others and make the world better, just like Mitchell when he helped the moon and bring the world more light. Other literary devices that are included are characterization, circular story, dialogue, personification, and tone. The book has beautiful illustrations and an interesting plot that would keep the children engaged and entertained while reading it. It’s the perfect Halloween book for readers who do not want scary and it shows what it can be like in a family of 4 siblings. This book is a good choice for any library.