“Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech is a critically acclaimed young adult novel that masterfully intertwines themes of loss, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of a cross-country road trip, the book delves into the life of thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, known as Sal. As Sal recounts the story of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom, she simultaneously confronts her own emotional turmoil stemming from her mother’s sudden disappearance. The narrative’s unique structure, with its dual stories, invites readers into a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and understanding, encapsulated in the book’s central metaphor: to understand someone, you must first “walk two moons in their moccasins.”

The novel opens with Sal embarking on a road trip with her grandparents, Gram and Gramps Hiddle, from Euclid, Ohio, to Lewiston, Idaho. The purpose of this journey is deeply personal for Sal; she hopes to reunite with her mother, who left the family abruptly. The road trip serves as a physical and emotional journey for Sal, filled with memories, reflections, and stories.

Sal’s narration begins with the story of her new friend, Phoebe Winterbottom, a girl whose life becomes intertwined with a series of mysterious events. Through Phoebe’s story, Sal begins to unravel her feelings about her own life. One of the first mysteries Phoebe faces is the arrival of a strange young man at her door, which marks the beginning of unsettling events in the Winterbottom household.

Example 1: The peculiar appearance of the young man at Phoebe’s door symbolizes the intrusion of the unknown and the fears that come with it. Sal’s reflection on Phoebe’s paranoia reveals her own anxieties about her mother’s disappearance.

Memorable Quote: “In the course of a lifetime, what does it matter?” – This phrase, introduced early in the novel by Sal’s father, becomes a recurring theme, challenging Sal to reflect on the importance and impermanence of life’s events.

As Sal recounts Phoebe’s increasingly bizarre experiences, including the receipt of cryptic messages and the eventual disappearance of Phoebe’s mother, she begins to draw parallels with her own life. Sal’s storytelling becomes a way for her to process her mother’s absence, as Phoebe’s story mirrors her own feelings of abandonment and confusion.

Phoebe’s conviction that her mother has been kidnapped by the “lunatic” who visited their home leads her to involve Sal in her quest to uncover the truth. However, this pursuit of truth only deepens Sal’s introspection. Sal remembers her life before moving to Ohio, living on a farm in Bybanks, Kentucky, with her mother, father, and the landscape she deeply loved. These memories are bittersweet, highlighting the bond Sal shared with her mother and the deep pain of her departure.

Example 2: The unraveling of Phoebe’s story – that her mother left voluntarily, not abducted – forces both girls to confront harsh truths. For Sal, it means facing the possibility that her mother, too, might have left by choice, a realization that shakes her to the core.

Memorable Quote: “You can’t keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair.” – This advice, given to Sal by her father, underscores the novel’s theme of coping with grief and loss, encouraging Sal to accept her pain without letting it consume her.

As the road trip progresses, Sal’s grandparents become increasingly vital to her journey. Their eccentricities, humor, and love provide Sal with a sense of stability and continuity. Through various stops along the way, including visits to historical sites and natural wonders, Sal reflects on her mother’s journey before she disappeared. Each stop brings Sal closer to understanding her mother’s decision to leave, and by extension, understanding herself.

The climax of Phoebe’s story occurs when her mother returns home, revealing that she had left to visit a son from a previous relationship, a son Phoebe never knew existed. This revelation shatters Phoebe’s idealized image of her mother but also offers a path to reconciliation. This mirrors Sal’s own journey towards acceptance of her mother’s imperfections and the possibility that her mother might never return.

Example 3: The moment Sal learns about Phoebe’s brother is pivotal – it forces Phoebe to see her mother as a person with her own past and struggles. This realization is echoed in Sal’s growing understanding that her mother had her reasons for leaving, reasons that may never be fully known.

Memorable Quote: “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.” – This Native American proverb, central to the novel, encapsulates the book’s message of empathy and understanding, urging characters and readers alike to see the world from others’ perspectives.

The final leg of Sal’s journey is marked by a growing sense of dread as they approach Lewiston. Sal’s memories of her mother’s departure are interspersed with the present-day events, creating a tension that builds towards the novel’s conclusion. Upon arriving in Lewiston, Sal confronts the truth she has been avoiding: her mother died in a bus accident on her way to Idaho.

This revelation is devastating but also cathartic. Sal visits the site of the crash, where she finally allows herself to grieve fully. The journey she took with her grandparents becomes a symbolic journey of acceptance and healing, allowing Sal to begin moving forward with her life.

The novel ends with Sal returning to her farm in Bybanks, now with her father, who has decided to move back after hearing about Sal’s experiences. The return to Bybanks signifies a return to roots, a reconnection with the past, but also a step towards the future.

“Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech is more than just a coming-of-age story; it is a profound exploration of grief, loss, and the journey to understanding and acceptance. Through the intertwined tales of Sal and Phoebe, the novel delves into the complexities of family, the pain of losing a loved one, and the importance of empathy. The book’s critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise for its emotional depth and the way it handles difficult topics with sensitivity and grace.

In today’s context, “Walk Two Moons” remains relevant for its portrayal of how young people cope with loss and change. Its emphasis on understanding others’ perspectives is a timeless lesson, encouraging readers to approach life with compassion and open-mindedness. For young adults, the novel offers a way to process their own experiences of loss and change, making it a valuable addition to both personal and educational reading lists.

The journey of Sal, both literal and metaphorical, serves as a reminder that healing is a process, and that understanding, acceptance, and love are essential components of that process. Sharon Creech’s novel continues to resonate with readers, offering comfort and insight into the human experience.