Well-woven around historical truths....Ada Veerkamp Rose
"...The Far Side of the Moon is a charmingly done tale of fantasy, fact, and fiction well-woven around historical truths. 'Tis amazing and emotionally moving to me today--at age 95--to read a book the setting of which is the very soil over which the feet of we eight Veerkamp children once trod and played. We always looked at Okei's grave with child-like reverence and a certain amount of wonder...."
(CLICK for more commentary by Mrs. Rose, member of a Gold Hill pioneer family.)

Adults will not find it beneath them.... Rowse Reviews
"Since the plot involves adolescents of differing ethnic backgrounds growing up and learning each other's cultures, the book might be suitable as a middle school reading assignment, but adults will not find it beneath them."

Hard to put down.... Mountain Democrat (Placerville, CA)
"The Far Side of the Moon...unique style...wonderful sense of the understanding that occurs between...contrasting cultures....written in language easily understood by middle school students. It is not only good young adult historical fiction, but also a good, and quite interesting, book for grown-ups. It is very easy reading that you will not want to put down."

A fascinating, heart-tugging, highly recommended tale.... Midwest Book Review
"The Far Side Of The Moon ... engaging historical novel set in the hills of Northern California and draws upon an actual historical occurrence...Deftly written ...The Far Side Of The Moon is a fascinating, heart-tugging, highly recommended tale."

Touching...fascinating.... Eureka! Addendum, California Library Association's Best Books about California for Children and Young Adults
"...touching and, if not immediately easy, ultimately fascinating..."

...warts and all realistic.... VOYA
"...Dear America readers will be right at home, although they might be surprised by the sad--and realistic--ending....The narrators are rounded, real-seeming young people, and the supporting cast is warts-and-all realistic...The writing is quite good...."

"...Having the story told from two different voices gave a wonderful sense of a gradual understanding of contrasting cultures...." Donna Shreve, teacher (Stockton, CA)

"...of course Julius is really funny, but....one's heart keeps breaking throughout, including how the squatters destroyed the trees and brush, not to mention the stealing and their mistreatment of the Indians... This is a wonderful book for students (not just for history classes)...." B. Holt, history buff (Stockton, CA)

"...(The Far Side of the Moon) is really quite engaging (meaning that I didn't want to put it down), and I could picture the locale in the Gold Hill area as the story unfolded. I also ended with a feeling of shame for our so-called civilization that treated others so heartlessly...." Cathy Morgan, school principal (Placerville, CA)

"...I think this book would be great for middle schoolers who need to learn about American life in this time period, especially involving minorities. It doesn't pull any punches, really, and tells how things were for these people. ..." Jennifer Obee, librarian (Arvada. CO)

"(The Far Side of the Moon) was an incredible book. The book is hard to put into words. It was very touching. I really like the book. It was very sad though."" Jenessa, a Teen Advisory board Member