Swear to Howdy

Written by Wendelin Van Draanen

A secret too terrible to keep tests the limits of friendship.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,237 ratings

144 pages· 26,278 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

$6.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Rusty Cooper cherishes his friendship with the adventurous Joey Banks, who is always on the edge of trouble. But when Joey shares a secret too dark to reveal, Rusty faces a dilemma that could shatter their bond. As the secret threatens to consume them, Rusty must decide what it truly means to be a friend. Will he protect Joey or confront the truth? This gripping tale explores the boundaries of loyalty and the weight of hidden truths.

From the publisher

A funny friendship turns serious in this haunting book about secrets, lies, and what it means to be a true friend. Joey Banks is a walking adventure. He’s funny, daring, mischievous–and frequently in trouble. Or he would be if anyone found out about half the stuff he’s done. Luckily, Rusty Cooper knows how to keep a secret. Joey is the best friend Rusty’s ever had, and he’s not going to mess with that. But then comes a secret that is at once too terrible to tell and too terrible to keep. A secret so big it threatens to eat them alive. What would a true friend do now? Wendelin Van Draanen has written a richly layered book that offers a thought-provoking look at the boundaries of friendship and what it really means to be true. “Triumph and tragedy mix in a compelling country tale of boys being boys.” –Kirkus Reviews “A poignant, thought-provoking novel that will strike a chord with young readers hooked by the boyish antics of the early chapters, later to be emotionally drawn to the honest portrayal of characters struggling with the consequences that follow every action.” –Midwest Book Review

At a glance