Winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize and a finalist for The Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, a starred review Kirkus Review praised Unhooking the Moon as a "rousing adventure on the not-so-mean streets, with heart aplenty."
When an adventurous sister-and-brother duo become orphans, a funny and heartbreaking roadtrip to New York ensues, as the pair searches for their long-lost uncle.
Meet the Rat: A dancing, soccer-loving, fearless ten-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Meet her older brother, Bob: Protector of the Rat, though more often than not her faithful follower, Bob is determined to build a new and better life for him and his sister in America. Of particular concern for him are his sister's mysterious fits, which keep getting more and more severe.
On their adventures traveling alone from the flatlands of Winnipeg, southward across the border into America, Bob and the Rat make friends with a host of unlikely characters, including a hilarious con man and a famous rap star. As they struggle to survive in the big city, they realize that finding your uncle in New York is incredibly difficult if you have almost no information about him--even if he is rumored to be one of the city's biggest drug dealers.
- Used Book in Good Condition
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful.
Exquisite
By books rock
It was a thrill to receive "Unhooking the Moon" by Gregory Hughes as a giveaway from Goodreads. It is even more of a thrill to be able to give this exquisite book a glowing "thumbs up" recommendation. Although it is categorized as a children's teenage fiction, it is very worthy of adult attention. Reading "Unhooking the Moon" feels like going on a crazy road trip with surprises at every turn. As well, every emotion is thrown into the mix- from joy, fear, sadness to absolute hilarity.The story centers around a sister, Marie Claire, aka the Rat , who is utterly fearless and hilarious and her faithful brother, Bob. Along their journey they encounter a host of unforgettable friends. Their story is one of survival, as they manage to find their way from Winnipeg to New York. Throughout the story there are many Canadian references and it becomes a cool book of patriotism and philosophy.The plot moves along so quickly and effortlessly. At the same time, the book gives the reader much to stop and think about. Loved this clever, delightful book!
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful.I am speechless
By The Truffle Pig
This book took my breath away from the first word! Beginning with the concept of their dog 'running past the horizon' and using that to introduce The Rat and her odd superhuman abilities was perfect. Also using that to introduce The old man suited well. And then ending with the first concept was the cherry on top! I found this book looking through a recommendation for young adult books and at first it creeped me out but as soon as I really got into it, I was hooked. Great job
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful.
Not for anyone under 16 years old
By sparkle33
This book was purchased by my mother for my daughter as it is noted as a top seller. Although it could be a good read, the language and subject of pedophiles is not appropriate for children.
