Curse of a Winter Moon

2014
Author:

Mary Casanova

An intense tale of superstition and persecution in sixteenth-century France

Twelve-year-old Marius promised his dying mother he would watch over his little brother, Jean-Pierre. But because Jean-Pierre was born on Christmas Eve, villagers believe he is marked with the curse of the loup garou (the werewolf) and Marius, with fierce devotion to his family, must battle against prejudice and fear to save his brother’s life—and his own.

An excellent, exciting introduction to a turbulent period in history.

Kirkus Reviews

It is sixteenth-century France. Six years ago, twelve-year-old Marius lost his mother during the birth of his little brother, Jean-Pierre, and her dying wish was that he watch over his brother. But because Jean-Pierre was born on Christmas Eve, villagers believe he is marked with the curse of the loup garou—the werewolf. The task of protecting Jean-Pierre has been a never-ending struggle as townsfolk constantly eye the young boy with dread and suspicion. To make matters worse, his country is swept up in a hysterical campaign to find and destroy enemies of the Church, and now the villagers have made Jean-Pierre their target. Marius must defy the ruling institutions of the time to save his brother’s life—and his own.

Winner of a 2001 Minnesota Book Award, Curse of a Winter Moon is a harrowing story of one boy’s fierce devotion to his family as he battles against prejudice and fear.

Mary Casanova is the author of more than thirty books for young readers, ranging from picture books to novels, including Frozen (Minnesota, 2012).

An excellent, exciting introduction to a turbulent period in history.

Kirkus Reviews

A sharp and accurate picture of this brutal time period is brought to life in this story.

VOYA