I hadn't read anything by Dorothy Garlock before and read about this on the library audiobook page. I liked the book and her writing style, it's not an overly exciting book but good nonetheless. The book takes place during WWII and follows Sophie Heller and Cole Ambrose as they contend with prejudice and disability. ( )

Wow, I think for the first time in a while I'm done with a book that has just left me in awe. I loved this one.

I almost immediately was connected with Sophie, through the entire book I could feel her emotions. Fear, love, disgust, happiness, longing this book has it all. And it's not just Sophie that I connected with. I loved Cole and was almost as attached to him as I was Sophie. The other main characters (the bad guys) were also just as well written, and although I didn't want to connect to the bad guys I think I did anyway.

The story takes off with a bang (almost literally) and while there was a short lull in the action it really keeps you going. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next, and I didn't have to wait long to find out. The ending to the story was a bit predictable, but the path taken to get there was anything but. I couldn't have imagined some of the twists until the happened.

This was such an easy book for me to get lost in. I was so connected with what was going on I could see it as if I were right there in the story.

I'm surprised I've never heard of Dorothy Garlock, as she's written many titles, but I'm glad I've found her. I will be picking up more from her in the future. I have a lot of catching up to do with her... ( )

The Moon Looked Down by Dorothy Garlock is Young Adult Historical Fiction at its best. Its setting is Victory, Illinois June 1942. It deals with the prejudice taking place as propaganda against the Germans is spread and the nation edges ever closer towards war.

The heroine is Sophie Heller and the Hero is Cole Ambrose. Sophie’s family were Germans that fled Germany to start a new life in America. War fever causes the family and the home to be attacked. Cole is a math teacher with his own heartbreak who takes Sophie under his wing and ends up defending her family.

The pages are filled with salt-of-the-earth characters believing in America and in doing for themselves. As tragic as Sophie’s plight is, with all the obstacles placed in her way, a romance also blossoms between Sophie and Cole. It will be hard to say whether you are reading the story for it’s bigotry or for the hope of true love conquering all.

It is refreshing to have a story told about WWII from a German’s point of view with the twist that they were against Hitler. It made me process the fact that it is wrong to lump all Germans as being against the Jews. The Heller family is so against Hitler that they flee at great risk to themselves so as not to be a part of the bad politics. The romance is downright charming and brings lightness to this book of heavy emotion. I truly applaud Dorothy Garlock for bringing such a controversial and necessary topic to young adults. The Moon Looked Down is well written. It is perfect for school. It is also a perfect romance. The book succeeds. You will not be sorry you took the time to read it. I am recommending this book with no reservations and it gets my big thumbs up. ( )