Still haunted by early memories of growing up in an abusive family, 17-year-old Moon can't separate himself from his past. Twelve-year-old Harper comes from a world full of love and support. Despite their differences, they become the best of friends. Just prior to World War II, they spend the summer in the wilds of Washington State, with reclusive storekeeper and mountaineer, Olinger. But when winter comes, a blustery snowstorm hits, and Moon is missing. Risking his own life, Harper searches frantically for his friend. But what he finds is Olinger, dead, in a snowbank--and Moon is standing over him! Their friendship is put to the ultimate test as Harper struggles with what he believes to be the truth and the serious evidence stacking up against Moon. Author and narrator Raymond Royal Ross masterfully reveals the scariest part of growing up--confronting the unknown. Dealing with the tough issues of child abuse, animal abuse, murder and suicide, Ross keeps you entralled throughout this suspenseful story.
The hero of this book is a prune. His journey begins in an ordinary way: he is picked, packed in a box with the rest of the crop, and carried off to the packing shed. But along the way, his life takes an unexpected turn. When his crate tips over, Prune meets Pica, a magpie. As they travel together, they meet Muskrat. The three soon become friends and begin an epic quest that will teach them much about loyalty, adventure, and courage. Ramon Royal Ross grew up on a fruit ranch in Washington State. He has been a farmer and a teacher. Currently, he is Professor of Education at San Diego State University. As he narrates, Ross enhances the humor in this charming story. Destined to be a classic, Prune was selected as a Notable Work of Fiction by the Southern California Council on Literature for Children and Young People.
