Full Cicada Moon Book Synopsis
Imagine a blend of “Inside Out and Back Again,” “One Crazy Summer,” and “Brown Girl Dreaming.” That’s what you get with this novel-in-verse about navigating new environments and standing up for your beliefs. It’s 1969, and while the world eagerly anticipates the Apollo 11 moon landing, Mimi, who is half-Black and half-Japanese, has her own challenges. Moving to a mostly white town in Vermont makes her feel out of place. Her unique appearance draws everyone’s attention, and she struggles to fit in at school.
Nevertheless, Mimi stands her ground, entering science competitions and insisting on taking Shop Class instead of the expected Home Ec. She faces resistance from teachers and neighbors skeptical of her mixed-race family and her nonconformity. Despite constant rejections, Mimi’s dream of becoming an astronaut remains unwavering. This historical middle-grade novel, told through poems from Mimi’s perspective over one year, illustrates how one voice can spark positive change.
Full Cicada Moon Book Review
“Full Cicada Moon” is a novel to be savored rather than rushed through. Marilyn Hilton’s poetic writing flows beautifully, evoking a sense of hope and the exhilaration of dreams. Hilton brilliantly captures the essence of 1969 Vermont and presents a compelling voice through Mimi, a young girl of mixed race.
The story follows Mimi as she moves from California to a small Vermont town, leaving behind friends and family. Faced with suspicion and unfamiliar environments, Mimi struggles to fit in because she looks different from everyone else. School life is equally challenging as she’s singled out for her appearance.
Mimi questions the traditional roles imposed by society, particularly the expectation that girls should only learn Home Economics and not Shop Class. Her refusal to conform and her determination to pursue her interests and beliefs mark her out as a strong, nonconformist character. She finds a friend whose mother disapproves of her and a boy who visits his similarly prejudiced uncle next door.
Despite these hurdles, Mimi’s optimism is infectious. She remains steadfast in her desire to become an astronaut, finding allies who support her dreams along the way. The novel deftly addresses themes of ignorance and misogyny while highlighting the moments of encouragement Mimi encounters. Ultimately, Mimi remains focused on her goal, embodying hope and resilience.
“Full Cicada Moon” is a beautiful coming-of-age story that appeals to readers of all ages. Hilton immerses readers in the historical context of 1969 and the excitement surrounding the Apollo missions. The book’s strength lies in its character development, making each page engaging despite a lack of high-paced action. This historical fiction novel is a must-read.
Adaptation Recommendation
“Full Cicada Moon” would translate wonderfully into a coming-of-age film centered on a young mixed-race girl’s journey. The historical setting and the backdrop of the Apollo missions would provide a rich visual tapestry. With not many coming-of-age films being released recently, this story feels timely for a resurgence. Finding a charismatic, unknown actress to play Mimi would be ideal for capturing the character’s essence.
Overall Rating
“The stuff that dreams are made of.”
