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Cinnamon Moon
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
33 posts | 8 read | 9 to read
On the same day as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, 250 miles away in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, there was an even more devastating fire. Twelve-year-old Ailis and her younger brother, Quinn, survive, but their family does not. Ailis and Quinn are taken by a family acquaintance to live in a boarding house in Chicago, where they meet six-year-old Nettie, an orphan displaced by Chicago's fire. But the woman who runs the boarding house makes their lives miserable, and Ailis vows to find a way for the three of them to leave. Ailis finds a job at a millinery shop and Quinn plays his fiddle on the streets so they can save money. Then Nettie disappears, and Ailis and Quinn discover she's been kidnapped by a group that forces children to work in the sewers killing rats. Can they find a way to rescue her? CINNAMON MOON is Tess Hilmo's riveting story of friendship and finding home. A Margaret Ferguson Book
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sblbooks
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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#MiddleGradeMarch #MGMS
It's survey time middle grade style. Everyone play along.
1 I first started reading for fun when I was around 12, by that time I wanted to read YA. The Outsiders was one of my favorites.

2 Atari 2600, Monopoly, E.T., Stand By Me, Swatch watches and sebagos. Top 40 with Casey Kasem

3 The Challenger explosion, Princess Diana was on every magazine cover.

4 I just started reading middle grade last year. This was a 5⭐.

Linsy (1) Yes! BFG was my gateway drug and Ella Enchanted was my very favorite until I found Harry Potter. (2) Harry Potter, roller blading, bike riding (video games were not allowed at my house), and everything Little House on the Prairie. (3) 9/11, unfortunately. (4) The Graveyard Book. 5y
sblbooks @Linsy I love Little House. Thanks for playing. 5y
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megnews I loved my Swatch watch! Stood in line for hours for ET! 5y
BookishMe I read The Outsiders after my teen daughter recommended it to me and my older son. Truly remarkable - Stay gold ponyboy! 5y
LinesUponAPage Oh, Swatch Watch‘s!!!! My favorite accessory! The fluorescent series was the best!! Oh, just rocked me back to sixth grade! Thanks. 5y
34 likes6 comments
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megnews
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Pickpick

What a great story.

#middlegrademay

Book 185/265 5/27/19

sblbooks @megnews This one was one of my favorites this month. 5y
SaturnDoo I'm glad y'all both liked this one 😊 5y
31 likes2 comments
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megnews
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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megnews
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Met my monthly reading goal with six days to spare.

DivineDiana 👏🏻📚👍🏻 5y
26 likes1 comment
review
sblbooks
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I never heard of the Peshtigo, Wisconsin fire before I read Cinnamon Moon. This was a great historical fiction book about the aftermath of this fire and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. I highly recommended it. #MiddleGradeMay @megnews @SaturnDoo

megnews I have this checked out and I‘m trying really hard to get to it before the end of the month. 6y
SaturnDoo I'm glad you got to read this and loved it. I may have to read it again 😊❤💜🙌 6y
26 likes2 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Pickpick

I have always enjoyed historical fiction and this book continues my love for the genre. I was drawn to the characters, yet learned about a monumental event that I would still be ignorant to had I not read this book (The Preshtigo Fire). #mgbuddyread

merelybookish I wouldn't have heard of it either! Thanks again for hosting! 7y
rubyslippersreads I'm sorry I missed the readalong, but still want to read the book one of these days. 😊 7y
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Lmstraubie @rubyslippersreads @Andrew65 It was definitely worth it. I'm a sucker for a good historical fiction story and this one didn't disappoint. 7y
Lmstraubie @merelybookish Thank you for adding so many thoughtful responses to our discussion! 7y
JaclynW I'm sad that none of my local libraries had this book! I wanted to read it, but I will still read it. I will find it somewhere. 7y
Lmstraubie @JaclynW I hope you can find a copy. I really enjoyed it. 7y
JaclynW @Lmstraubie I'm glad you liked it! I hope to find it too! (Next Amazon order...) 7y
35 likes4 stack adds9 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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I know I could ask at least 20 more questions about this story, but it's time to wrap things up.
Question #8 What are your thoughts on the genre of historical fiction? #mgbuddyread

Amie I love historical fiction and have since I was a kid, but I feel like many kids aren't interested in it. I like that I can learn about history in a way that makes it real, and there are always connections between history and the present that come to life in historical fiction. 7y
merelybookish I enjoy historical fiction too! As long as I don't feel like teaching me about history overshadows the telling of a good story. I think this book did a good job of making it character driven. We do learn about disasters, child labour, Urban development, racism, but that comes through the story. I don't know if kids would be drawn to the title, cover or subject matter of this book. BUT I do think they'd like it if they read it. 7y
Smangela I love historical fiction and are up the Dear America books when I was a middle grade reader and anything from Ann Rinaldi! Great way to make learning fun and relatable. 7y
Chelsibno I have adored historical fiction since I was a kid. I read all of the Dear America & Royal Diary books in my grade school's library. I love how it can teach readers about history in an engaging way. It can be tough to get some kids into historical fiction, but I've seen students really enjoy books like the I Survived series and the History Mystery series. 7y
15 likes4 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Question #7 We know the part the news and social media play in our world today. How did the news effect events in this story? #mgbuddyread

Amie This story showed both the good and the bad - journalism done right can bring to light things that we would otherwise be unaware of (like the children in the story being sold into slavery) but made up and sensationalized stories can harm real people like Mrs O'Leary. 7y
Smangela Journalism and social media make even swifter judgments today, but just as swiftly people can retract or defend themselves. The claims of what Mrs O‘Leary looked like would‘ve been easily shown to be false with a quick interview! Social champions are also quick to get wind of stories like these - I could just see Ellen Degeneres taking a stand for Mrs O‘Leary 7y
Lmstraubie @Smangela Yes! Ellen would bring the truth to light! 7y
Chelsibno I'm not sure there's much more I could add to the comments by @amie and @Smangela. Just as today, journalism can be both good and bad. That said, I'd rather live in today's climate of news and social media, since it travels and updates faster and is easier to access, making it easier to show how earlier reports are false. I especially liked @Smangela's example of how things could've played out differently for Mrs. O'Leary in today's world. 7y
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Question #6 Nettie takes her job as a rat catcher seriously. Is she afraid for her friends or does she feel her job is truly important? #mgbuddyread

Chelsibno I think that both are true. Just as in human trafficking today, victims can be made to feel terrified for their loved ones' safety if they were to ever try to fight back or escape. Since Nettie has such a caring heart, she would be susceptible to this tactic. It's also showed early on that Nettie cares deeply about animals, so it would be easy for her captors to make her believe she was helping the rats, making her want to stay & help them. 7y
Smangela I also think it was an example of Stockholm syndrome of sorts? 7y
12 likes2 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Question #5 Both Ailis and Miss Franny have faced hard times. Why do you think one responded in a positive manner and the other in a negative one? #mgbuddyread

Chelsibno I think part of it has to do with the circumstances. Ailis and Ms. Fanny both lost their families at young ages. However, Ailis's parents didn't choose to die & leave her and Quinn alone. Ms. Fanny's mother outright chose to abandon her. Feeling that she couldn't even depend on someone she thought loved her probably played a huge part in making Fanny so bitter. 7y
Amie @Chelsibno I'm guessing that it was a coping mechanism for Fanny - by being unkind she would keep others at a distance and then she couldn't be abandoned again 7y
merelybookish Ditto @Chelsibno. The difference between having your loving parents die vs. being abandoned is pretty significant. And to be fair, Ailis is still young. It's possible she could have grown up to be more like Fanny - if life continued to be hard. 7y
Smangela I like that Miss Franny is a character that isn‘t bad but is unlikeable - not everyone is a villain or a hero; we encounter many who are on varying places of that spectrum. 7y
10 likes4 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Question #4 List 3 adjectives that best describe a character from this story (Ailis, Quinn, Nettie, Sam, Miss Franny, Ida or anyone else) #mgbuddyread

Chelsibno Ida: motherly, fair, wise 7y
Amie @Chelsibno good description of Ida. I loved her character and I really liked the scene at Christmas with conjugating "to be". 7y
merelybookish @amie Me too. That was may be my favourite scene in the book. 7y
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merelybookish Quinn: observant, kind, sensitive. 7y
merelybookish I feel like Quinn is smarter and more careful than Ailis and that he balances out her impulsiveness and temper. I liked his quiet strength 7y
Lmstraubie @Chelsibno @amie @merelybookish Nettie - trusting, devoted, kind 7y
18 likes6 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Question #3 Ailis and Quinn take to Nettie right away. Why do you think they feel so connected to her? #mgbuddyread

awishman I think because of the family they lost they feel drawn to her. 7y
merelybookish They lost a little sister and plus Nettie is so desperate to be loved and to have a family. As painful as it is to remember their parents and sister that they lost, at least they have those memories. Nettie has nothing. 7y
Chelsibno I agree with @awishman & @merelybookish. I also think Nettie gives them something to care for. They've lost everything, but Nettie is someone who is young & needs to be cared for & looked after. She helps to partly fill the dark void that's been left in their lives after their immense tragedy. 7y
Amie I don't know if I can add much to what @awishman @Chelsibno and @merelybookish have already said. There's definitely the connection of them all being orphans. I think also Ailis and Quinn have a strong conviction to take care of anyone less fortunate than themselves, not just Nettie, but also Mrs O'Leary, the man in the piano create and the other children held captive with Nettie. 7y
Lmstraubie @amie So true. They were always aware of those around them and ways they could help. Excellent points made by all. 7y
16 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Question #2 Why do you think Ailis feels compelled to help the O'Learys? What does this say about her? #mgbuddyread

Chelsibno I think she feels compelled to help the O'Learys for several reasons. For one thing, she is doing it out of solidarity, since she and the O'Learys are Irish and she knows just how cruel people can be towards the Irish, especially during hard times. Another aspect is the fact that Ailis has lost so much and wants to feel like she still has some purpose or can be of help to someone in need. 7y
awishman @Chelsibno Yes, also I think she likes defying authority a bit too! 7y
merelybookish Yes, agree with @Chelsibno that being Irish is key since they were so looked down upon at that time. It also allows Hilmo to bring in news accuracy and sensationalism. To show kids to be wary of easy scapegoats. 7y
Amie @merelybookish I'm glad you brought up the topic of the news and accuracy. I liked how this book included that and it's such a timely topic. I love it when there are connections to the present in historical fiction. 7y
Smangela @Chelsibno @awishman @merelybookish @amie great points and I definitely agree with all said. I think she may even feel compelled having lost her parents and family, she likes to take care of others. Also great point about teaching moments and scapegoats! Hadn‘t explicitly thought if that but it makes for a great talking point. 7y
14 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Question #1 Most of history reports on The Great Chicago Fire. This book focuses on it, but also the deadliest fire in our country's history, The Preshtigo Fire.

Had you ever heard of the Preshtigo Fire?
While/after reading did you do any research on it?
#mgbuddyread

LauraBrook Peshtigo is in my state, and we learned shockingly little about it in school. I've only read bits over the last few years, and am hoping to get up North and visit myself next summer. It's amazing what gets missed in history if it doesn't happen on a coast or is in a major City, isn't it? 7y
Lmstraubie @LauraBrook It's a shame that we didn't know much about this as a general population, but for it to happen in your own state and still not know much is very interesting. 7y
merelybookish I didn't know a thing about it and didn't read beyond the supplemental material at the back of the book. It sounds like a perfect storm. And pretty hard to fathom. I thought it interesting that Hilmo.made it background but I guess it would be hard to write a story set in town that no longer exists. 7y
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Chelsibno I had heard very little about it. The only real source I had heard about it from was an episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class about famous fires: http://www.missedinhistory.com/podcasts/historys-unforgettable-fires.htm. Other than that, I had never heard about it. It really makes you think about how huge events can be left out of history for odd reasons, like location, population, circumstances, etc. 7y
Amie I had never heard of it. I did a little internet searching after reading the first chapter, but nothing in depth. Learning things like this is why I like reading historical fiction. 7y
Smangela I had not heard of it either. I thought Hilmo put as much information about the Great Chicago Fire as she did Peshtigo - not much, but it was more a story about survival after the fires than the fires themselves so that makes sense to me. I did not further research but my goodness the information Hilmo provides in the end was heartbreaking. It sounds absolutely terrifying and it‘s crazy to me that it isn‘t as talked about as Chicago‘s ⬇️ 7y
Smangela As it was a much larger fatality and leveled an entire town. The storm and fire combination sounds like something you couldn‘t even dream of, almost apocalyptic and I can‘t imagine the pain and terror those poor citizens endured in either their final moments or in watching their family, friends, community, and possessions demolished 😢 7y
lauralovesbooks1 There is a non-fiction book that came out about 15 years ago called Firestorm at Peshtigo. It was a riveting read. 7y
Lmstraubie @Chelsibno @lauralovesbooks1 Thank you for sharing further resources! 7y
Lmstraubie @merelybookish @amie @Smangela I read the info in the back after being about 3 chapters in to the story. I thought Hilmo did a good job with the info she gave. I still can't believe I had never heard about the deadliest fire in our country's history. I like how historical fiction entertains & informs. 7y
Smangela @lauralovesbooks1 oh thanks for sharing! I‘ll have to add it to my TBR 7y
Smangela @Chelsibno I love SYMHC! 7y
23 likes12 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Hello fellow#mgbuddyread friends! I'm looking forward to our discussion of this month's book, Cinnamon Moon. I will be posting questions over the next hour and a half. Respond when you have the chance. Please remember to tag anyone you respond to so the receive a notification. Let's begin! ☺️

syasutake I'm still finishing up but will comment after I'm done reading. 7y
Lmstraubie @syasutake Sounds like a plan! Did your daughter read this one too? 7y
syasutake @Lmstraubie She read the beginning, but it didn't catch her interest. 7y
Lmstraubie @syasutake Oh well, maybe our next one ☺️ 7y
19 likes4 comments
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Amie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Pickpick

Finished this just in time for the #mgbuddyread discussion tomorrow.

Lmstraubie Glad you liked it ☺️ I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts! 7y
43 likes1 comment
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Finally sitting down with some Pomegranate Green Tea from @Lacythebookworm from our #letsgetcozy #letshyggeswap and starting this month's #mgbuddyread selection.

Lacythebookworm I hope it‘s tasty! It‘s from one of our favorite coffee shops 😊 7y
Lmstraubie @Lacythebookworm It's wonderful!!! You picked a good one! 😁 7y
Peddler410 Ooh! Good to know I'm not the only one who hasn't started. I just got it from the library yesterday. 7y
56 likes3 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Just a reminder - this month's #mgbuddyread is Cinnamon Moon by Tess Hilmo. We will be discussing it next Saturday, September 30th. For October we be reading Wonderland: Home Sweet Motel by Chris Grabenstein of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library fame. Join us! #teachersoflitsy #librariansoflitsy #raisingreaders

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Smangela
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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In the nick of time remembered it was September and to get the book for #MGBuddyRead! Jut finished Chapter 5 - excited about the subject matter - not something I know much of!

tpixie Like the title!! 7y
Smangela @tpixie I'm interested to see how it ties in! 7y
tpixie @Smangela yes, that's always fun! 7y
Lmstraubie It's next up on my list. I'm looking forward to this one. 7y
57 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Don't forget this month's #mgbuddyread is Cinnamon Moon by Tess Hilmo. We will be discussing it on September 30th. For October we be reading Wonderland Home Sweet Motel by Chris Grabenstein of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library fame. Join us! #teachersoflitsy #librariansoflitsy #raisingreaders

Peddler410 Ooh...an excuse for me to get Wonderland Home Sweet Motel! 7y
38 likes1 comment
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Read4life
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Pickpick

Finished this book for the #mgbuddyread
I really enjoyed it. A great historical fiction book for young readers. I'm looking forward to our discussion later this month.

Lmstraubie Yay! I feel a good discussion coming on! 7y
51 likes1 comment
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Chelsibno
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Pickpick

Just finished this month's #MGBuddyRead, & loved it! I love reading #historicalfiction, & this was a great example of the genre aimed at middle grade readers. The inclusion of a lesser known historical event along with the Great Chicago Fire was great. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I can't wait to discuss it in detail with my fellow MGBuddy readers! @Lmstraubie

Lmstraubie Glad you enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to our discussion. ☺️ 7y
Smangela I enjoyed it as well! Looking forward to the discussion :) 7y
49 likes2 comments
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merelybookish
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Starting this month's #mgbuddyread selection. Just not sure about the faces on the cover. Veering a bit into uncanny valley creepiness. 😯
@Lmstraubie

batsy You're right! The longer I look at that cover... 👫👽 7y
Lmstraubie It is interesting...🤔 I hope the story makes the cover worth it 😉 7y
merelybookish @Lmstraubie I finished it the other night. It was solid...but lacked something for me. Will try to figure out what by the 30th! 7y
Lmstraubie Looking forward to another great discussion! 7y
Smangela Yes, the blurred faces are a tad creepy haha! 7y
56 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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This is the only book I know I will read from my #TBR pile. It is for our September #mgbuddyread. Anything else will be chosen because the mood strikes! 😁 #awesomeautumnbooks @Jess7 #mostantisipated #autumnreads @JoeStalksBeck @Tiffy_Reads
#fallintobooks @RealLifeReading

JaclynW My libraries here don't have this book! 7y
Lmstraubie @JaclynW Oh no!!!! Boooooo 7y
JaclynW @Lmstraubie Agreed! 7y
41 likes3 comments
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Read4life
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Lmstraubie This one is in my pile too! 7y
52 likes1 comment
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Peddler410
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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This is the next title up for #mgbuddyread
Come join us with this historical fiction set in Chicago!
Led by @Lmstraubie who does a fantastic job of leading our discussion. We'll be discussing this on in Sept. 30

Lmstraubie Thanks for spreading the word! 😊 7y
BookBabe Cute cover! 😊 7y
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Read4life
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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This is our next read for #mgbuddyread led by @Lmstraubie The book discussion will be September 30th.

We hope you can join us.

monkeygirlsmama I need to see if I can find it. 7y
Lmstraubie Thanks for spreading the word!! 7y
48 likes2 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Hey #mgbuddyread participants! Our next read is Cinnamon Moon by Tess Hilmo. Our discussion will take place on September 30th. Our last discussion was such a good one I can't wait for the next one!

Please consider reposting to spread the word! Thank you!!!!

merelybookish Need to check my library! 7y
GatheringBooks hi! where do you usually hold the book discussion? here in litsy? would love to join at one point. 7y
Lmstraubie @GatheringBooks We discuss right here on Litsy. I post questions & you respond when you can. We'd love to have you join us! 7y
39 likes3 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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OK Littens! Here's the schedule for the #mgbuddyread Join in the fun!

Sept.-Cinnamon Moon by Tess Hilmo

Oct.-Welcome to Wonderland by Chris Grabenstein

Nov.-Gertie‘s Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

Dec.-The Losers Club by Andrew Clements

Jan.-TBD

Feb.-A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

I hope this works for everyone! The chat will take place during the last weekend of each month. Any & all feedback appreciated ☺️

Chelsibno Sounds great! 7y
awishman 👍 7y
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Amie 👍 7y
monkeygirlsmama Works for me! And, if at any point, you're looking for suggestions for other months, I'd like to nominate this one. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27277199-karma-khullar-s-mustache It sounds cute. 7y
TheWordJar These look good! 7y
JaclynW 👍 7y
syasutake Looks great! 7y
Peddler410 I took a screen shot! @monkeygirlsmama that book does look good. 7y
Lmstraubie @monkeygirlsmama Thanks for the great suggestion! We now have our January read! Yay! 🙆 I will update the graphic & list to include this title. ☺️ 7y
readinginthedark Fun! I haven't heard of most of these! I'll try to join in when I can. 7y
monkeygirlsmama @Lmstraubie Oh nice! 😁 7y
MrsGreen @monkeygirlsmama Great suggestion! 7y
45 likes1 stack add13 comments
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Lmstraubie
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Hey #mgbuddyread buddies! Looking for our September title. Here are some suggestions. LMK if any grab your attention. On a side note I want to add A Wrinkle in Time to our list, but thought we would wait until closer to the movie release.

Smangela I'm all for adding A Wrinkle In Time! And all of these look awesome - am loving Orphan Island 7y
awishman These all look good, Cinnamon Moon most especially. 7y
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monkeygirlsmama I haven't heard of any of these before, so would be game for any. I read Wrinkle in Time a few years back with my oldest for her school. I'd be up for a reread before the movie though, 7y
Amie Cinnamon Moon looks good 7y
syasutake Would love to reread AWIT before the movie (which looks amazing!). Cinnamon Moon sounds interesting, and I've heard good things about Gertie's Leap to Greatness. 7y
Peddler410 As someone who grew up in Brookfield, just outside of Chicago, Cinnamon Moon sounds like a great choice. However, I love Chris Grabenstein's Lemoncello series I am looking forward to reading the Wonderland books. 7y
JaclynW A Wrinkle in Time! Yes!! I think Cinnamon Moon sounds great. ☺ 7y
Read4life I've heard good things about Gertie's Leap to Greatness and I don't think you can go wrong with a Grabenstein book. 7y
MrsGreen I've read Chickens and Gertie, both were good. Wonderland looks good. 7y
36 likes10 comments
review
HotCocoaReads
Cinnamon Moon | Tess Hilmo
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Pickpick

I loved reading this book to my daughter at bedtime. She loved the characters so much--and we were both so happy when they got their happy ending. Such a sweet, tender story!

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