FIND THE MOON
By Beth Fehlbaum
For as long as she can remember, Kylie Briscoe’s been searching for the moon even though she has no idea why it soothes her. Placed in an impossible situation by her mother, Kylie cries for help. It brings rescuers and a new life, but it feels more like a death sentence when she is separated from her three-year-old sister Aliza, the only person Kylie’s ever really loved.
Beth Fehlbaum is the author of the young adult novels Find the Moon, Big Fat Disaster (on the Spirit of Texas-High School Reading List, 2014-2015), Courage in Patience, Hope in Patience (A YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers), and Truth in Patience. With Dr. Matt E. Jaremko, Beth co-wrote the creative nonfiction book, Trauma Recovery: Sessions with Dr. Matt. She is a high school English teacher.
This book hooked me from the first word to the last. The opening sentence, “This year will monumentally suck.” truly sets the tone for the story. It is told in first person through a teenager’s point of view, and the author did a fabulous job of making it so realistic I felt as though I was reading a true story.
Kylie Briscoe is only a teenager but has a huge responsibility. She does her best to take care of her little sister, Aliza, and protect her from their mother’s haphazard and dangerous lifestyle. With a mother who neglects to provide even the most basic needs for her children and who is immersed deeply in drug addiction, Kylie never knows what she will find at home after school each day.
On the day the book opens, she finds Aliza in the trailer home alone. At four, she shouldn’t be left alone, but it happens a lot. They find one can of Spaghettios, Aliza’s favorite, and Kylie feeds them. Then the mom shows up on the back of a motorcycle with a guy who is determined to collect what Kylie’s mother owes him for drugs. But it’s too much, and when her mother points to Kylie and says, “her first,” is when Kylie grabs Aliza and bolts.
What happens after that is heart-wrenching as Kylie has to deal with being separated from the one person in the world she loves, Aliza. Kylie is sent to Texas to live with grandparents she doesn’t know, while Aliza is sent to live with the man who is her legal father. The emotional turmoil both children face is powerful and difficult on every level. The wisdom and patience of the grandparents is exactly what it takes. The theme about the moon is scattered throughout the story and is the grandfather’s passion, which he had instilled in Kylie when she was but a toddler. And while Kylie doesn’t remember those days when she lived with them, the connection to the moon is strong. It’s where she finds comfort.
Having worked in Child Protective Services for a number of years, I related to this story on a deeply personal level. The author keeps it authentic, from the believable storyline and realistic dialogue to the failings of the organizations created to protect children and the aftermath issues abused and neglected children face. There is bad language in the story, so if that offends you, it may be a deal breaker. If you are sensitive to rape and child abuse situations, this book may be hard to read. But if you’re looking for a story that will linger with you long after you reach the end, this IS the book for you. I rooted for Kylie, Aliza, the grandparents, and Aliza’s father all the way. Healing will come slowly, but with patience and love, it will come. That is the hope the reader is left with. I give this book four stars and can highly recommend it!
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This sounds like a beautiful and heart grabbing read. Thanks for introducing us to Beth and her book. I’m adding it to my TBR. 🙂 xx
Oh, how wonderful, Debby. Parts of the book are hard to read, but the author’s insight into child abuse is so authentic and honest, it is gripping. I will look forward to your thoughts on this one.
Thank you both so much! I hope that Find the Moon finds a place in your heart. 🙂
Thanks for the feature Jan 🙂
It must have been tough to write such a thought-provoking story. Congrats to the author on her new release and the wonderful review!
I thought that, too, Jacquie. But the author’s background and personal experience had to have helped make the story so authentic and realistic. Thanks for visiting!
Thank you so much! It was very difficult, but I think it’s my best novel so far. 🙂
It sounds wrenching. I am overly sensitive to rape and child abuse (and animal abuse) so will have to skip it, but kudos to the author for ripping the bandaid off.
Yep, this would not be a book you’d be able to enjoy, Jacqui. I, too, admire the author for tackling such a realistic life situation. Thank you for visiting and sharing!
Poor Kylie! It sounds like life has crammed a lot at her. Good review, Jan!
Most certainly, Priscilla. She had a rough start to her young life. Thanks for visiting.
Thanks for the trigger warnings, Jan. I love the idea of the moon theme woven throughout the book. Wishing Beth all the best with her release!
Thank you, Mae! I appreciate you visiting and leaving a comment.
Thank you!
I sincerely appreciate your site being a valued stop on my book tour, and for your authentic insightful review. I work with teens on a daily basis, so I know the way they talk and behave. In addition, as a trauma survivor myself, I am well-acquainted with the way Kylie thinks and feels. I hope that you and your readers will feel free to connect with me via Facebook and/or my website, bethfehlbaumbooks(dot)info
Thank you, again!
It is my pleasure, Beth, to host you and this amazing book today. As I said in my review, it is so well-written and realistic I had to remind myself it was fiction. Big hugs to you and here’s wishing you much success!
This sounds really good! Thanks for sharing, Jan!
Thank you, Jill. I appreciate you stopping by!
Excellent review, Jan. I appreciate the warnings for sensitive readers, and I also appreciate an author that tells it like it is, warts and all. Thanks for sharing.
So do I, Kristine. This author knows her stuff and the story is very realistic. It would make a great movie!
From your lips to God’s ears, Jan! 🙂
Thank you, Kristine!
I really like your review! This book looks really interesting!
Thank you, Kymber. I appreciate you taking the time to visit and comment!
Thank you for sharing, Jan. It sounds like a great read. ?
My pleasure, Gwen. Thank you for stopping by to help support this author!
Sounds like a powerful story, Jan.
It was a very powerful story, Craig. This author didn’t shy away from sensitive social issues. Thanks for visiting!