Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

Finished the book

I chose to read this book because it is a nominee for the 2018 ORCA (Oregon Readers' Choice Award). Even though, I am not a fan of novels in verse, I enjoyed this book very much. Mimi is a great role model for those who have more than one nationality that they identify with. She is respectful, sensitive, and insightful regarding both cultures. Hilton develops Mimi into a character that you would pursue a friendship with. I highly recommend this book.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 4.8
Lexile: 790
Genre: Historical Fiction / Novel in Verse

Currently on pg. 16

I know I have said it before but I usually do not read novels in verse. I have read "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson, "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander, and a couple others. I gave the majority of them four stars. I did give "The Crossover" five stars. It was the winner of the 2017 ORCA. I do love historical fiction so perhaps I will give this book five stars as well.

Mimi is a Japanese-African American. The year is 1969. She is moving to a predominantly white Vermont town. As if her race isn't enough to make her stand out, she enters science competitions, tries to take shop class instead of home ec, and dreams of becoming an astronaut.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Finished the book

This book is nominated for the Oregon Reader's Choice Award for 2018. I am a fan of historical fiction so I was pretty sure I would enjoy it. I liked the ending. Although this book did not knock out "Orbiting Jupiter" as my lead candidate for the ORCA, I would highly recommend it to middle school students.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Interest Level: 3-6 grade
Reading Level:4.1
Lexile: 580
Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 62, chapter 10

Ten year old, Ada and her five year old brother Jamie decide to leave their abusive home to join the other children that are evacuating England due to the war. Set during World War II, the author immediately pulls you into the horrifying life that Ada and Jamie endure at the hand of their mother. Ada having been born with a clubfoot never learned to walk. Her mother won't let her out of the house and tells her that no one wants to see her and her disgusting foot. How will she and Jamie get to the train station to join the other evacuees? This book has already become a book that I carry around in the hopes that a better life awaits Ada and Jamie when they get off the train in the English countryside.