Anyone who has traveled with four children, or even less, over thousands of miles, camping nearly every night in a different spot, knows how much can happen. "Adventures" become almost commonplace. Perhaps no one family could have had all the variety of experiences that the Austins had on their journey [in The Moon by Night], but not one of the events is impossible or even unbelievable. From time to time I found myself thinking, "Oh, why didn't they stop there long enough to see …" and then remembered I was reading a story. If a veteran reviewer could be so convinced of the reality of a book, it will surely be alive for young readers.

Vicky matures to the point of feeling life is still worth living after having her young belief in the inevitability of justice shattered. Her efforts to find herself, to help the boy who needs...