Let It Go

by Marilyn Halvorson

Fifteen-year-old Red's troubled relationship with his father, a policeman in a small Canadian community, acquires a new perspective when his best friend's long-missing mother suddenly returns.

Genres: Young Adult

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Blue Moon is Marilyn Halvorson's second book in the Orca Soundings series. Bull Rider was an ALA Quick Pick nominee. When she is not caring for cattle on her ranch, Marilyn spends her time writing.

Reviews

[Dakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

It shocked me, I'll tell you that. The first few chapters read just like Diary of a Whimpey Kid, and then out of nowhere we get drug abuse, child abuse, mommy issues, and more. But it was pretty good. The author handled those topics pretty well for a middle grade book. The copy I read had a more cheerful 80's looking cover, and I totally expected it to be a story about a dorky high school kid falling in love. But surprisingly, there was no love interest, (Although Red and Lance had a bit more chemistry than I expected). I'm just now learning there's a sequel to this, and I'm excited to read it, because while this one had a decent ending, it left a few loose threads. Great book though!

[Morgan Menefee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the sequel to this book in middle school - more years ago than I care to admit. I've been searching for its prequel, Let It Go, ever since. Twenty years later, I finally found it and I was not disappointed. Halvorson does a great job accurately portraying teen thoughts, behavior, and emotions. She deals with hard, real issues without shying away, and gives readers characters they can root for. This book and its sequel are must-reads for middle schoolers.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... it is difficult to describe just how amazing and inspiring this book truly is. I read this book multiple times a year. I normally only read books that have adventure and danger, and although this book didn't have much until closer to the end, I still consider it one of my favorite books.

[kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I ever considered writing fan fiction for before I knew what fan fiction was because the author never wrote more! It's been years since I read it and I know I still need more Lance and red!

[Elizabeth Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red finds out that his best friend's mom is trying to get custody of Lance. When Red gets involved, Lance turns his back on him, and then a crazy adventure leads to them both being kidnapped.

[William III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in school...loved it. A very touching story.