Half Moon Summer is a heartwarming story of two young children, born on the same day in the same hospital in the same small town, whose lives cross paths again over the summer before their 13th birthday. Both of them are experiencing hardships, Mia's father away in Alaska to take care of her ill grandmother, and their house in Sacramento is in a bind. Meanwhile Drew is struggling with the idea of not having his "best summer ever" as well as his father keeping not so well hidden secrets. Thanks to his father, Drew and Mia begin running together with the goal to run a half marathon together, each for their own reasons. I thought this story was so beautifully written and inspiring for readers of all ages. It teaches you to enjoy life and appreciate what you have. The messages learned throughout this book will stick with you forever. Overall, a beautiful story and worth every minute spent reading it.

This...this was painfully boring. I so badly wanted to like this because middle grades always tend to brighten my day but this was so hard to get through. I did like the characters and that was the only saving grace.