Full Cicada Moon

(Original review found on Word Storm: http://www.azelynklein.com/2017/10/book-review-full-cicada-moon.html)If somebody said they didn’t understand poetry, I would hand them this book. Beautifully written with unique imagery, Hilton paints a world that not only speaks to the mind but touches the heart.While I was struggling through two other fairly boring books, wondering if any story could ever get better, it did. I put the other books down and picked up Full Cicada Moon. Wow, am I glad I did! An okay book, I may finish in a week or two. An excellent book takes a day or less. I’m pretty sure I finished this one in a couple of hours.And man, can Hilton write! Not even one-hundred pages into the book, I had to stop and tell my mom she had to read it.“On this clear and moonless night,Mama and I wrap up in our winter clothesand go outside to watch and listen.The trees beyond our backyard form a torn-paper linebetween the snow and this skyfilled with stars.”You had me at snow and stars.This book is about beauty and standing up for your dreams and making friends and culture. Not to spoil too much, I shan't delve too much further into the themes.“I amhalf Mama,half Papa,and all me.”Daughter of a Japanese immigrant and an African-American, Mimi doesn’t exactly fit in her new town in Vermont. If you’re looking for a book on diversity and what it means to truly be an American, Full Cicada Moon is it.I even got goosebumps reading about the part where Mimi and her family were watching the Apollo 11 Mission, particularly when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon. I can’t remember the last time a poem gave me goose bumps. Seriously, lyrical novels are now one of my favorite things. I. Need. MORE.This is what a book is supposed to look like.Of course, I had to give it 5/5 stars for vivid verse, excellent characters, and powerful themes. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in historical fiction, novels in verse, and excellent stories. I liked it so much I bought my own copy!

This is such a wonderful book. The book came as described, like new. It is a wonderful book.

I loved this book. Number one This book is diverse about a half black half Japanese girl. this book is historical fiction. st is living in 1969. she wants to be a astronaut.

My son had as summer reading and gave this book good reviews.

This is a wonderful book about diversity and understanding other cultures. It is written for children in 4th or 5th grade. It is written in poem-format. As one student reminded me after she read this book, "You shouldn't judge people because of their race. You should first know if they are a good person or not." Out of the mouth of babes.

This book has a unique main character that is half Black, half Japanese in 1970 New England. She deals with being different and adjusting to a new home with less than accepting neighbors and the growing pains of middle school. Through all the rough times she finds her circle of friends who accept her for who she is and flourishes through her journaling and being persistent. This book is an inspiring read.

I bought this book for my grand-daughter but as with all such purchases, I read it before I give it. The title appealed to me and the cover illustration drew me in totally. It was such a sweet but not maudlin story about prejudices and acceptance. I loved it so much that I bought it for another grand-daughter.

Mimi is sweet, but defiant. Loving, but tough. This book is poetry, civil rights, science, coming of age, race relations with a dash of romance. Never feels preachy or fake. A must read indeed!! I want to read it again!!!

Another beautifully written verse novel that plays its part in tackling representation and celebrating diversity. A rich and sweet read!