On My Honor

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade realistic; coming of age
• Originally Published: 1986
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 750L; grades 5-8
• Structure/Length: 12 chapters; approximately 96 pages; approximately 2 hours, 2 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Joel and Tony are two young friends who venture into the dangerous Starved Rock State Park without their parents’ permission. Tragedy strikes during their adventure, leading to a series of events that forces Joel to grapple with guilt, loss, and the meaning of honor. This coming-of-age story explores friendship, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Death by drowning; loss; mentions physical punishment by parents

Marion Dane Bauer, Author

• Bio: Born 1938; respected American author of children’s and young adult literature; has written numerous books that are known for emotional depth and ability to resonate with young readers
• Other Works: Shelter From the Wind (1976); Touch the Moon (1987); A Taste of Smoke (1993); A Question of Trust (1994); An Early Winter (1999); Sunshine (2021)
• Awards: Newbery Honor (1987)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Complexity of Friendship
• Honor and Deception
• Questions on Life and Death

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the literary and thematic contexts regarding the role of friendship and honesty in Bauer’s novels, which impacts Joel’s main dilemma in the narrative.