Tess Hilmo

I requested this book on NetGalley because the cover is so inviting -- I want to go to there! I was wary to read it, though, because of the Butch Cassidy plot; I don't like when book characters make unwise decisions / commit crimes. But I'm glad I finally picked it up, because it's a quick read with a lot of heart.

The main character, Jade, isn't too likable in the first few pages, but as she warms up to Wyoming, her Aunt Elise, and the animals, she sheds her not-too-polite, mopey attitude and becomes a likable, relatable character. And her new friend Roy Parker is just the kind of scheming, risk-taking kid to keep her summer interesting.

My only regret is that I can't meet Astro and the other dogs of the ranch in person!

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.… (more)

Cinnamon Moon is a great Historical Fiction Story for Middle Grade readers. It is based on an event that I did not even know about, The Peshtigo Wisconsin Fire as well as the Chicago Fire. Ailis and her brother Quinn were moved to Chicago from the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin after a fire killed their parents and young sister. A friend of their fathers, Mr. Olsen, set them up in a boarding house there. Unfortunately, he was not aware that Miss Franny, the person who ran the boarding house, treated them as slaves. They met another young orphan named Nettie and got quite close to her. Ailis and Quinn want a better life, so Ailis takes a job with a German woman, Ida, in a millinery shop, and Quinn starts busking with his violin, making a lot more money that he thought possible. When Nettie goes missing, the two try to investigate, and uncover a plot to use very young children to help keep down the rat population. Can they rescue her from this life? Will they be able to move into a place of their own?

The characters were wonderful. Ailis and Quinn tried to make the most of the situation they were in. Ailis was smart, resourceful, loyal and had a strong will. She used what she could (Mr. Olsen, Sam, her work ethic) to make their life better. Quinn, was smart and talented. Unfortunately he was also stubborn. With his wonderful musical talent that he inherited from his father, he was able to help both himself and his sister much more than the thought he could. The siblings never give up on Nettie. That loyalty and love is also apparent when they are reminiscing about their family. Ida, the milliner who took Ailis under her wing, was a wonderful person. Her support of Ailis, Quinn and Nettie was a joy. She owed these children nothing, but she gave them everything she could. After all the trouble they went through, the story had a happy ending. It seemed to come quickly, but considering this book is for young readers, ages 9 to 12, it was nicely done. The plot was built up and you would be rooting for the children. The ending was definitely satisfactory, with the heroes/heroines coming out on the bright side and with some of the villians getting their due. A great book for a class or school library. It may lead some children into investigating this time in history as well as getting them interested in more historical fiction. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (more)

Literary Merit: Decent
Characterization: Okay
Recommended: Somewhat Recommended
Level: Late Elementary/Middle School
Cinnamon Moon is about two siblings, Ailis and Quinn, who have been forced to move to Chicago following the horrible fire of Peshtigo, Wisconsin that destroyed their farm and resulted in the deaths of their parents and baby sister. They are moved to a boarding house, where they meet Nettie, a young, sweet orphan. However, Miss Franny, the woman who runs the home, is less than pleased about this arrangement. She makes the children do all sorts of chores without ever showing any gratitude. Then one day, Nettie disappears without a trace, and Ailis and Quinn begin frantically searching for her. The rest of their story covers their search for Nettie, as they also come to terms with the loss of their parents. The ending is unrealistically positive, as everything seems to end up working out a little too perfectly, which I suppose would be good for younger children. The writing overall is decent, if not overly simple, and the dialog gets a little too descriptive at times. It would be a good addition to historical fiction collections for older elementary or middle school kids.… (more)