On My Honor

On My Honor is a short Newbery Honor-winning novel by Marion Dane Bauer, first published in 1986.^[1] It is about two boys, Joel and Tony, who are friends despite their very different characters. Tony, who is adventurous, challenges Joel, who is more responsible and cautious, to climb a large and dangerous cliff called Starved Rock. Joel knows this is unsafe and does not want anyone to get hurt, yet does not want to seem like a coward in front of Tony. Tony suggests going swimming in a forbidden river, knowing that he cannot swim. The boys race each other to a sand bar, but the story ends in tragedy. Tony cannot swim and drowns. Joel tries to find Tony in the river, but gets sucked into a current himself. However, he grabs a log, and lives. He tries to catch a car to ask for help, but it was useless, Joel was too late to save Tony. Joel lives with the horrible secret until Tony's and Joel's families finds out.

The book is frequently read in the United States as part of elementary school curricula. The title "On My Honor" is taken from a promise Joel makes to his father.

References

1. ^ ALSC: Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present

Awards
Preceded by Cracker Johnson	Winner of the William Allen White Children's Book Award 1989	Succeeded by Hatchet