Mick Harte was Here
Review # 21
Published reviews:
Hurst, Carol Otis. Rev. of Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park. Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site. http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/mickharte.html (Accessed 3/7/03)
Rev. of Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park. The Hornbook Guide Online. http://gw2.scbbs.com/HBook/hornbook.jsp (Accessed 3/6/03)
"Thinking back, I'm not exactly clear what happened....the only thing I do remember is the feeling that none of this was really happening". (p 25).
While the book Mick Harte Was Here is fictitious, Phoebe's experience conveys the reality of losing a loved one. Mick Harte was riding his bike when he is hit by a car and dies. His sister is tormented with grief and anger; the whole family is changed. They don't know how help one another, how not to hurt one another. Phoebe reminisces about her brother with fondness, recalling even those things-or especially those things- that drove her crazy when he was alive. Phoebe pulls away from her friends as well. At last Phoebe talks to her friend, Zoë.
"Where is he, Zoë?...Right at this very minute"...
..."Put him anywhere...If God is everywhere like they say He is, and Mick is with God, then Mick could be anywhere to." (p. 53)
These are real questions for anyone, but especially for a young person who has not yet experienced loss. While Zoë doesn't have the answers, she is willing to support her friend. Then Phoebe is able, not only to face her own feelings, but help her parents do the same. This is a powerful book addressing difficult issues.