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Bandit's Moon
After a narrow escape from the nasty O. O. Mary's clutches, Annyrose ventures forth to find her long-lost brother Lank in gold-digging territory. But the journey is rough, bandits and fiends waiting for the traveler at every bend. Soon Annyrose runs into Joaquin Murieta, legendary bandit of the Gold Rush.
This complete disaster, however, soon appears to be no less than a blessing for both! They can help each other out: Annyrose can teach Joaquin how to read so he will know where danger lies, and in turn he can make sure she's safe and fed. But in a time when corruption and greed are running wild, will their friendship be more than fool's gold?
This complete disaster, however, soon appears to be no less than a blessing for both! They can help each other out: Annyrose can teach Joaquin how to read so he will know where danger lies, and in turn he can make sure she's safe and fed. But in a time when corruption and greed are running wild, will their friendship be more than fool's gold?
144 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 1998
20 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Sid Fleischman
99 books149 followersAs a children's book author Sid Fleischman felt a special obligation to his readers. "The books we enjoy as children stay with us forever -- they have a special impact. Paragraph after paragraph and page after page, the author must deliver his or her best work." With almost 60 books to his credit, some of which have been made into motion pictures, Sid Fleischman can be assured that his work will make a special impact.
Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.
He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.
Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.
He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 1, 2023
AGGHHH I really love good MG historical fiction (reading this reminded me that I need to write some)
And I really love Sid Fleischman in particular
I actually saw this at the library. Completely random. It caught my eye, and something in my brain said, “Joaquin Murieta???” with no more to go on, apparently, than that Fleischman has written at least one other story set during the Gold Rush (I grew up on By the Great Horn Spoon) and that the bandit Joaquin has been on my mind recently. So I picked it up.
It was about Joaquin. A thoroughly Robin Hood take on him, which makes sense for the kind of book this is, and told from the point of view of one Annyrose Smith, a young orphan who’s been hit by bad luck ever since she left Louisiana to start a new life in California. It’s funny, it’s sweet, the history makes me happy, and the way the book gently explores certain moral questions just…pleases me. So much.
The ending pleases me too. I was really not sure what Fleischman was going to do with the different elements of the legend, and I was sweating. But, as Joaquin would say, Es destino!
And I really love Sid Fleischman in particular
I actually saw this at the library. Completely random. It caught my eye, and something in my brain said, “Joaquin Murieta???” with no more to go on, apparently, than that Fleischman has written at least one other story set during the Gold Rush (I grew up on By the Great Horn Spoon) and that the bandit Joaquin has been on my mind recently. So I picked it up.
It was about Joaquin. A thoroughly Robin Hood take on him, which makes sense for the kind of book this is, and told from the point of view of one Annyrose Smith, a young orphan who’s been hit by bad luck ever since she left Louisiana to start a new life in California. It’s funny, it’s sweet, the history makes me happy, and the way the book gently explores certain moral questions just…pleases me. So much.
The ending pleases me too. I was really not sure what Fleischman was going to do with the different elements of the legend, and I was sweating. But, as Joaquin would say, Es destino!
August 13, 2015
One of the things I wanted to do with my 8-year old son one summer, in addition to swimming, going to county fairs and ball games, and playing in the park, was to read for at least 30 minutes a day. And, to make the experience more enjoyable for him (and to help him with his reading comprehension) we agreed to read the same books.
Bandit's Moon by Sid Fleischman became my son's favourite book that he read so far that summer. It is set during the California Gold Rush of the early 1850s, and tells the tale of an unlikely pair. Annyrose Smith is a pre-teen who is separated from her only kin, her older brother Lank. She is inadvertently rescued from a horrible situation by the infamous Joaquin Murieta, a real-life Mexican bandit who struck terror in the mining community. Wary of him but also realizing that he provides her access to look for her brother, Annyrose asks Joaquin if she can ride with him and his gang. Joaquin agrees to it, on the condition that Annyrose teach him how to read English so that he can understand what the gringos are saying about him in newspapers and on Wanted posters.
Annyrose's pre-conceived ideas of Joaquin as a ruthless bandit are challenged throughout the book, in Joaquin's words and actions. For example, Joaquin explains to her that before the discovery of gold in California, the Mexicans and gringo ranchers co-existed peacefully. But once gold was discovered, the gringos passed a series of laws and taxes that forced Mexicans off their own land. Therefore, when he steals from settlers, he takes what he believes to rightfully be his. But his methods of robbery appear to run contrary to his reputation as a cold-blooded killer.
Fleischman does a good job of not moralizing in this story. He lays out Joaquin's reasons for doing what he does (in Joaquin's words, es destino) and has Annyrose grapple with the issue that she has befriended a bad man who might not be so bad after all, if the laws were just. However, since the laws are what they are, Joaquin appears headed for his destiny--a hanging. More than once, Annyrose is given the opportunity to turn in this outlaw, if that is what he truly is.
There is plenty of action within the book's 132 pages, which appealed to my son as it made reading Bandit's Moon fun. I would ask him questions about Joaquin and what he thought of him. At first, my son thought he was a bad person, but he later modified his opinion of him. He thought Joaquin was actually one of the good guys and that the posse trying to catch him were the bad guys, and he kept asking me, "Are they going to capture him? Will he die?" To that I would answer, find out for yourself.
Bandit's Moon by Sid Fleischman became my son's favourite book that he read so far that summer. It is set during the California Gold Rush of the early 1850s, and tells the tale of an unlikely pair. Annyrose Smith is a pre-teen who is separated from her only kin, her older brother Lank. She is inadvertently rescued from a horrible situation by the infamous Joaquin Murieta, a real-life Mexican bandit who struck terror in the mining community. Wary of him but also realizing that he provides her access to look for her brother, Annyrose asks Joaquin if she can ride with him and his gang. Joaquin agrees to it, on the condition that Annyrose teach him how to read English so that he can understand what the gringos are saying about him in newspapers and on Wanted posters.
Annyrose's pre-conceived ideas of Joaquin as a ruthless bandit are challenged throughout the book, in Joaquin's words and actions. For example, Joaquin explains to her that before the discovery of gold in California, the Mexicans and gringo ranchers co-existed peacefully. But once gold was discovered, the gringos passed a series of laws and taxes that forced Mexicans off their own land. Therefore, when he steals from settlers, he takes what he believes to rightfully be his. But his methods of robbery appear to run contrary to his reputation as a cold-blooded killer.
Fleischman does a good job of not moralizing in this story. He lays out Joaquin's reasons for doing what he does (in Joaquin's words, es destino) and has Annyrose grapple with the issue that she has befriended a bad man who might not be so bad after all, if the laws were just. However, since the laws are what they are, Joaquin appears headed for his destiny--a hanging. More than once, Annyrose is given the opportunity to turn in this outlaw, if that is what he truly is.
There is plenty of action within the book's 132 pages, which appealed to my son as it made reading Bandit's Moon fun. I would ask him questions about Joaquin and what he thought of him. At first, my son thought he was a bad person, but he later modified his opinion of him. He thought Joaquin was actually one of the good guys and that the posse trying to catch him were the bad guys, and he kept asking me, "Are they going to capture him? Will he die?" To that I would answer, find out for yourself.
February 7, 2022
It was a jolly good jog through the wild lands of 1850's California, albeit a little disappointing.
The book was fun, the characters comical and lively, and the plot had so much going for it.
My main complaint lies with the character of Joaquín Murrieta (or Joe Quinn, as I liked to call him). Known as the Robin Hood of El Dorado, he's the stuff of legend, a bandit dashing about on his silken black horse, avenging injustices, and getting his name on newspaper headlines all over the place during the California Gold Rush.
IT'S REALLY COOL STUFF, ok?!
And this book just does not do the poor man justice. He was funny and clever and mysterious, but there was such a depth to this man that was just skipped over. The plot could have been a crazy, wild adventure through the deserts of California, but it just...WASN'T.
They rode around on horses, ran into a few scrapes, ran out of them even faster, and learned to read out of an old cookbook, That was about it.
This book was fun, and I enjoyed it. I just think it was a bit underwhelming and really missed a golden (heh, see what i did there?) opportunity to explore a fascinating Gold Rush legend.
The book was fun, the characters comical and lively, and the plot had so much going for it.
My main complaint lies with the character of Joaquín Murrieta (or Joe Quinn, as I liked to call him). Known as the Robin Hood of El Dorado, he's the stuff of legend, a bandit dashing about on his silken black horse, avenging injustices, and getting his name on newspaper headlines all over the place during the California Gold Rush.
IT'S REALLY COOL STUFF, ok?!
And this book just does not do the poor man justice. He was funny and clever and mysterious, but there was such a depth to this man that was just skipped over. The plot could have been a crazy, wild adventure through the deserts of California, but it just...WASN'T.
They rode around on horses, ran into a few scrapes, ran out of them even faster, and learned to read out of an old cookbook, That was about it.
This book was fun, and I enjoyed it. I just think it was a bit underwhelming and really missed a golden (heh, see what i did there?) opportunity to explore a fascinating Gold Rush legend.
June 25, 2024
Fleischman is a solid writer who can tell a fulfilling story in under 150 pages. This one is part of his loose Gold Rush-era trilogy (with By the Great Horn Spoon! and The Giant Rat of Sumatra: or Pirates Galore), and while it's basically lightweight western adventure, he does address some issues of justice/injustice. There are historical bases for some characters (and liberties taken), explained in an author's note.
I particularly appreciated the musical elements, with the social bonding of chamber music demonstrated.
Illustrations also good.
I particularly appreciated the musical elements, with the social bonding of chamber music demonstrated.
Illustrations also good.
August 16, 2013
Buzzwords: Historical fiction, bandits, Mexico vs. America, seeking gold
"I looked at him and saw that for the great bandit, nothing was altered. He would continue his proud outlaw life, avenging himself on Yankees. Like an arrow in flight, he couldn't change direction"
When Joaquin, the "Robin Hood of the Califoria Gold Rush" comes to the house where Annyrose has been held by the wicked O.O. Mary, she takes the opportunity to escape, to seek her brother. But traveling with the bandits, she learns a lot, and has to question things she's always taken for granted.
This was a plot driven story, and the characters were not as well developed as I would have liked, nor as carefully shaded. However, an enjoyable look at a historical bandit that I hadn't known about before.
"I looked at him and saw that for the great bandit, nothing was altered. He would continue his proud outlaw life, avenging himself on Yankees. Like an arrow in flight, he couldn't change direction"
When Joaquin, the "Robin Hood of the Califoria Gold Rush" comes to the house where Annyrose has been held by the wicked O.O. Mary, she takes the opportunity to escape, to seek her brother. But traveling with the bandits, she learns a lot, and has to question things she's always taken for granted.
This was a plot driven story, and the characters were not as well developed as I would have liked, nor as carefully shaded. However, an enjoyable look at a historical bandit that I hadn't known about before.
November 29, 2015
Esta ha sido una entretenida historia de aventura que aúna historia. Joaquín existió, pero poco se sabe de su vida, y las aventuras que nos presenta el autor parecen ir muy bien con el recuerdo que se tiene de él.
A través de la voz de Annyrose podemos conocer a este forajido mexicano que era más bien un Robin Hood californiano.
Puede que esta sea una historia corta y simple, pero está tan bien narrada que se vuelve sumamente entretenida e imposible de dejar hasta ver cómo termima. Muy recomendable
A través de la voz de Annyrose podemos conocer a este forajido mexicano que era más bien un Robin Hood californiano.
Puede que esta sea una historia corta y simple, pero está tan bien narrada que se vuelve sumamente entretenida e imposible de dejar hasta ver cómo termima. Muy recomendable
January 12, 2024
Este libro y yo tenemos una historia, y este año un libro un poco menos infantil, hija de la fortuna de Isabel Allende, nos volvió a unir.
Me encontré otra vez con el, después de muchos años, cuando estaba limpiando mi librero, y al leer la contraportada, me encuentro con que habla de uno de los personajes, en la misma época, mismo lugar.
La Luna del Bandido me lo dio la única persona que jamás entendió los libros como yo. Yo tendría unos 11 años, entonces para el día de diciembre que me lo encontré, ya no me acordaba.
La Luna del Bandido habla sobre Annyrose Smith, una niña estadounidense de 11 años que perdió a su madre y a su padre, y ella y su hermano llegan a la fiebre del oro en California a mediados de los 1850s, como todos los viajeros, buscando fortuna.
Sin embargo, después de ser robados, Annyrose se rompe el tobillo, y su hermano Lank la deja a cargo de una amable viejita en un rancho.
Pero en cuanto Lank se va, la viejita, 0.0 Mary se transforma en una abusiva, vende todo lo que tiene Annyrose de su vida pasada y la esclaviza, la castiga.
Pero un día 0.0. Toma todo lo que tiene y huye, alarmando a Annyrose de que el Bandido Joaquín Murrieta, el Terrible, viene y va a incendiar todo y también a quien se le cruce.
Annyrose corre y se esconde, pero Joaquín la encuentra y hacen un trato, Annyrose le enseña a leer y el la lleva lejos de 0.0. Mary.
Así, viajan por toda California, y conocemos a Joaquín.
Joaquín es un personaje quien no puede no caerte bien. Es chistoso, leal, amable, no se justifica ni a él ni a nadie, es justo, y muy inteligente.
La amistad que forma con Annyrose es tan bonita, y también Annyrose con Pío Pío.
El libro te lleva a través de sus aventuras tan sencillamente que no notas las paginas pasar, yo lo termine en una sentada estando enferma.
Habla de la relación mexicanos/estadounidenses, del odio pero también de las alianzas que existían.
El desenlace y el final, la demostración del amor que Annyrose desarrolló por Joaquin y el miedo pero luego alivio que sintió al ver la cabeza, fueron el cierre perfecto a un libro sobre heroes que son villanos, sobre chicos que son chicas, sobre hermanos muertos que estan vivos, sobre analfabetos que leen, y sobre una amistad entre el criminal mas temido de California en los 1800s y una niña de Luisiana.
Me encontré otra vez con el, después de muchos años, cuando estaba limpiando mi librero, y al leer la contraportada, me encuentro con que habla de uno de los personajes, en la misma época, mismo lugar.
La Luna del Bandido me lo dio la única persona que jamás entendió los libros como yo. Yo tendría unos 11 años, entonces para el día de diciembre que me lo encontré, ya no me acordaba.
La Luna del Bandido habla sobre Annyrose Smith, una niña estadounidense de 11 años que perdió a su madre y a su padre, y ella y su hermano llegan a la fiebre del oro en California a mediados de los 1850s, como todos los viajeros, buscando fortuna.
Sin embargo, después de ser robados, Annyrose se rompe el tobillo, y su hermano Lank la deja a cargo de una amable viejita en un rancho.
Pero en cuanto Lank se va, la viejita, 0.0 Mary se transforma en una abusiva, vende todo lo que tiene Annyrose de su vida pasada y la esclaviza, la castiga.
Pero un día 0.0. Toma todo lo que tiene y huye, alarmando a Annyrose de que el Bandido Joaquín Murrieta, el Terrible, viene y va a incendiar todo y también a quien se le cruce.
Annyrose corre y se esconde, pero Joaquín la encuentra y hacen un trato, Annyrose le enseña a leer y el la lleva lejos de 0.0. Mary.
Así, viajan por toda California, y conocemos a Joaquín.
Joaquín es un personaje quien no puede no caerte bien. Es chistoso, leal, amable, no se justifica ni a él ni a nadie, es justo, y muy inteligente.
La amistad que forma con Annyrose es tan bonita, y también Annyrose con Pío Pío.
El libro te lleva a través de sus aventuras tan sencillamente que no notas las paginas pasar, yo lo termine en una sentada estando enferma.
Habla de la relación mexicanos/estadounidenses, del odio pero también de las alianzas que existían.
El desenlace y el final, la demostración del amor que Annyrose desarrolló por Joaquin y el miedo pero luego alivio que sintió al ver la cabeza, fueron el cierre perfecto a un libro sobre heroes que son villanos, sobre chicos que son chicas, sobre hermanos muertos que estan vivos, sobre analfabetos que leen, y sobre una amistad entre el criminal mas temido de California en los 1800s y una niña de Luisiana.
March 12, 2025
Los libros de Sid Fleischman se caracterizan por estar repletos de aventuras. En cada capítulo existe un giro interesante o una revelación impactante, que definitivamente hacen que la lectura sea muy ágil y amena no sólo para los chavos, sino también para los adultos.
En esta historia Annyrose, una niña de 11 años busca a su hermano Lank en la California del Siglo XIX. El destino actuará y de pronto se verá acompañando a Joaquín Murrieta, un bandolero mexicano conocido como el Robin Hood de El Dorado. Annyrose es estadounidense y no entiende el mal trato que existe de sus compatriotas para con los llamados “greasers” (apelativo despectivo utilizado contra los mexicanos). Annyrose no está de acuerdo en la forma de vida de Joaquín ni de sus acompañantes, pero, posteriormente después de muchas aventuras, se da cuenta que, tras su fachada de bandido, hay un hombre de buen corazón.
Sorprende a todos enterarnos que Joaquín Murrieta realmente existió durante la llamada época de la fiebre de oro y que fue perseguido por las autoridades por mucho tiempo. Para algunos un delincuente, para otros mucho un héroe que, con su rebeldía, buscó justicia.
La leyenda cuenta que, al ser capturado, se le dio muerte y su cabeza fue exhibida en un recipiente lleno de brandy, cobrando un dólar para verla. Algunos identificaron la cabeza como de Murrieta, pero su hermano aclaró que no era ya que carecía de una cicatriz característica. Fotografías de este tema pueden ser encontradas en los diferentes buscadores de internet.
En esta historia Annyrose, una niña de 11 años busca a su hermano Lank en la California del Siglo XIX. El destino actuará y de pronto se verá acompañando a Joaquín Murrieta, un bandolero mexicano conocido como el Robin Hood de El Dorado. Annyrose es estadounidense y no entiende el mal trato que existe de sus compatriotas para con los llamados “greasers” (apelativo despectivo utilizado contra los mexicanos). Annyrose no está de acuerdo en la forma de vida de Joaquín ni de sus acompañantes, pero, posteriormente después de muchas aventuras, se da cuenta que, tras su fachada de bandido, hay un hombre de buen corazón.
Sorprende a todos enterarnos que Joaquín Murrieta realmente existió durante la llamada época de la fiebre de oro y que fue perseguido por las autoridades por mucho tiempo. Para algunos un delincuente, para otros mucho un héroe que, con su rebeldía, buscó justicia.
La leyenda cuenta que, al ser capturado, se le dio muerte y su cabeza fue exhibida en un recipiente lleno de brandy, cobrando un dólar para verla. Algunos identificaron la cabeza como de Murrieta, pero su hermano aclaró que no era ya que carecía de una cicatriz característica. Fotografías de este tema pueden ser encontradas en los diferentes buscadores de internet.
April 2, 2025
Es un libro bastante intrigante, desde el inicio la historia te hace preguntarte qué está pasando. Diría que la aventura que se desarrolla durante la historia es emocionante y es fácil de digerir, para mí fue fácil encariñarme con los protagonistas, incluso con el bandido a pesar de ser justo eso, un bandido mexicano. Conforme avanza la historia te da más intriga, te hace preguntarte qué es lo que viene después y es por eso que me fue fácil terminarlo pronto, es una historia que te engancha, y el final, es un final que personalmente me parece satisfactorio en un 70%, el hecho de que Annyrose no volvió a saber de Joaquin y del resto de los bandidos es algo que me dejó una sensación de vacío aunque pudo haber sido peor, ya que en teoría, todos tuvieron un final feliz o al menos, aceptable.
Personajes con los que empaticé, una historia que me mantuvo entretenido y un buen final, para mí solo no tiene las cinco estrellas porque me hubiera gustado que fuera un poco más largo, hay partes donde pudo haberse extendido más y sentirse más intrigante, aún así el resto de puntos es bueno, así que le doy cuatro estrellas.
PD: Es el primer libro que leo completo y en tan poco tiempo, y sí, lo recomiendo totalmente.
Personajes con los que empaticé, una historia que me mantuvo entretenido y un buen final, para mí solo no tiene las cinco estrellas porque me hubiera gustado que fuera un poco más largo, hay partes donde pudo haberse extendido más y sentirse más intrigante, aún así el resto de puntos es bueno, así que le doy cuatro estrellas.
PD: Es el primer libro que leo completo y en tan poco tiempo, y sí, lo recomiendo totalmente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2018
Great story about how one girl survives the wild west with an outlaw and his band of thieves.
Annyrose lets a band of Mexican bandits to believe that she is a boy to get away from a horrible life she was. Her hopes are that she will find her brother somewhere in California where he went to strike it rich. Annyrose learns the power of a rumors verses facts, of western justice and vigilante, of truth verses fear, and above all, to stand up for what is right even when you fear for your life. Joaquín Murieta, the infamous outlaw, shows Annyrose that there are two sides to every story.
Excellent story. We had this as a read aloud and the narrator did a great job.
Annyrose lets a band of Mexican bandits to believe that she is a boy to get away from a horrible life she was. Her hopes are that she will find her brother somewhere in California where he went to strike it rich. Annyrose learns the power of a rumors verses facts, of western justice and vigilante, of truth verses fear, and above all, to stand up for what is right even when you fear for your life. Joaquín Murieta, the infamous outlaw, shows Annyrose that there are two sides to every story.
Excellent story. We had this as a read aloud and the narrator did a great job.
May 1, 2019
Caudill Nominee: 2002
Based on the real life of bandit, Joaquin Murieta, dubbed the "Robin Hood of the California Gold Rush". In this fictionalized account, Joaquin takes Annyrose, a twelve-year-old orphan under his wing, all the while he is galloping through the country on his thieving ways.
Heart-warming in many ways, we see that criminals sometimes have a heart of gold (no pun intended).
Based on the real life of bandit, Joaquin Murieta, dubbed the "Robin Hood of the California Gold Rush". In this fictionalized account, Joaquin takes Annyrose, a twelve-year-old orphan under his wing, all the while he is galloping through the country on his thieving ways.
Heart-warming in many ways, we see that criminals sometimes have a heart of gold (no pun intended).
May 23, 2017
I read this one with my kids and really enjoyed the picture of the gold rush that Fleischman painted. It was a complicated time and this book really makes you question the idea of the good guys/bad guys.
January 1, 2020
What an unexpected treasure! I’ve had this on my shelf for years, picked up at a book sale. I absolutely loved this story. I had never heard of Joaquin Murieta but am now anxious and eager to learn more about him.
February 15, 2025
One of my childhood favorites! I still own it. Jaoquin reminds of Zorro and Robin Hood. He is clever, charismatic and does wrong things for the right reasons. Honestly, I would like to see a movie of this, so tired of them making sequels and live actions of the same stories.
July 23, 2017
I did not expect such a tiny book to give me so many emotions.
August 2, 2023
Be advised that there is some mature content, especially toward the end. My 10-yo son said it will give him bad dreams. 🥴
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
Me encanta, mi libro favorito
June 18, 2012
My sister brought this home from school when she was in elementary school and I was in middle school. I picked it up to flip thorugh the pages and didn't put it down until a couple hours later, when I had finished the whole thing. I've given it as a gift and eventually bought a copy for myself, and will still occassionally read it in one sitting; it's one of those books I haave to be careful of picking up, because I'm still liable to have a hard time putting it down!
Sid Fleischman had won a Newberry for a book a few decades before this, The Whipping Boy, which touches on similar issues. That book, if I remember right, had more to do with class issues, while this one is touching on issues of racism and xenophobia--the question, though, is who the foreigners are, since California, at this point in time, had only recently transferred to the United States and, until the Gold Rush, was still inhabited mostly by people who identified more as Mexican.
If you're worried about whether your kid can handle it, though, don't worry, it's not too heavy or pedantic and a kid is liable not to pick up on the messages very strongly; it's done in a way that definitely gets the message across, but doesn't hit you over the head with it. There isn't a clear delineation of which "side" we should sympathize with, and I liked that; Annyrose is afraid of the bandits at first because they're Mexican, and her father was killed in the recent war against Mexico; and the Mexicans are wary of a "gringo". Annyrose has plenty of moments of realizing that despite the cultural differences, the bandits and their Mexican allies are just as human as she is, and Joaquin shows different sides to himself in how he treats non-Mexicans. On the one hand, he sees the White 49ers as deserving of being vandalized because they're taking the land from the Mexicans, and when Annyrose objects to being called a Yankee because she's from Louisiana, he answers, "You're all Yankees!" But at the same time, he's willing to take a "gringo" under his wing, and eventually comes to trust Annyrose enough to take her to a family party and, when she tries to interfere with a heist, doesn't treat her as harshly as he might have before. Similarly, Annyrose explores a camp of 49ers from South America and discovers that the Chilenos don't like the Argentinians, ect....the different groups aren't all "just foreigners", lumped under the same category, they all have distinctions amongst and between themselves and are factionalizing themselves. It's a good book if you want to discuss race, xenophobia or immigration with your child.
The nicee thing about it, though, is that it's also a fun story. A lot of award-winning books for middle-readers are what adults want kids to read, rather than what kids want to read. This is a fun combination of both. The story is good and moves at a good pace, and isn't too long (this is a good choice for reluctant readers). It's entertaining and re-readable, so your kidlet is liable to breeze through the whole thing, not necessarily paying conscious attention to the meaty stuff in it, but then be able to have a discussion about it if asked. It definitely combines the best of both worlds for adults and kids.
Sid Fleischman had won a Newberry for a book a few decades before this, The Whipping Boy, which touches on similar issues. That book, if I remember right, had more to do with class issues, while this one is touching on issues of racism and xenophobia--the question, though, is who the foreigners are, since California, at this point in time, had only recently transferred to the United States and, until the Gold Rush, was still inhabited mostly by people who identified more as Mexican.
If you're worried about whether your kid can handle it, though, don't worry, it's not too heavy or pedantic and a kid is liable not to pick up on the messages very strongly; it's done in a way that definitely gets the message across, but doesn't hit you over the head with it. There isn't a clear delineation of which "side" we should sympathize with, and I liked that; Annyrose is afraid of the bandits at first because they're Mexican, and her father was killed in the recent war against Mexico; and the Mexicans are wary of a "gringo". Annyrose has plenty of moments of realizing that despite the cultural differences, the bandits and their Mexican allies are just as human as she is, and Joaquin shows different sides to himself in how he treats non-Mexicans. On the one hand, he sees the White 49ers as deserving of being vandalized because they're taking the land from the Mexicans, and when Annyrose objects to being called a Yankee because she's from Louisiana, he answers, "You're all Yankees!" But at the same time, he's willing to take a "gringo" under his wing, and eventually comes to trust Annyrose enough to take her to a family party and, when she tries to interfere with a heist, doesn't treat her as harshly as he might have before. Similarly, Annyrose explores a camp of 49ers from South America and discovers that the Chilenos don't like the Argentinians, ect....the different groups aren't all "just foreigners", lumped under the same category, they all have distinctions amongst and between themselves and are factionalizing themselves. It's a good book if you want to discuss race, xenophobia or immigration with your child.
The nicee thing about it, though, is that it's also a fun story. A lot of award-winning books for middle-readers are what adults want kids to read, rather than what kids want to read. This is a fun combination of both. The story is good and moves at a good pace, and isn't too long (this is a good choice for reluctant readers). It's entertaining and re-readable, so your kidlet is liable to breeze through the whole thing, not necessarily paying conscious attention to the meaty stuff in it, but then be able to have a discussion about it if asked. It definitely combines the best of both worlds for adults and kids.
December 24, 2016
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
Set in the early 1850s, Bandit's Moon is the story of a young girl named Annyrose Smith, who has been imprisoned by a nasty old woman named O.O. Mary. When she makes her escape, she immediately sets out to look for her older brother, Lank, from whom she has become separated, but instead, she falls in with a gang of bandits led by Joaquin Marieta, the Mexican Robin Hood. Though she deplores Joaquin's dishonest behavior, she can't help but be charmed by his personality, and she does her best to help him before ultimately making another very narrow escape.
Like Weasel and Mr. Tucket, Bandit's Moon is another adventure story from the early days of the American West. Though the main character in this story is a girl and the main villain a real person, there is very little else to differentiate this story from the others. Details about the actual Gold Rush are few and far between, and instead the story focuses mainly on Annyrose's feelings of warmth and concern toward Joaquin. It's an entertaining read, which introduces a larger-than-life historical figure most kids probably would not otherwise learn about, but as a historical lesson about the time period, it would fall pretty flat. Though the main character is much younger, Bo at Ballard Creek does a much better job of exploring the daily life of gold prospectors from a more realistic and less romanticized point of view.
Sid Fleischman's talent as a writer is evident in the McBroom books and in his Newbery winning novel, The Whipping Boy, but this book is less memorable. I would keep it on hand for kids who love this time period - and for girls requesting adventure stories with female protagonists - but I will likely forgo using it for homeschooling.
Set in the early 1850s, Bandit's Moon is the story of a young girl named Annyrose Smith, who has been imprisoned by a nasty old woman named O.O. Mary. When she makes her escape, she immediately sets out to look for her older brother, Lank, from whom she has become separated, but instead, she falls in with a gang of bandits led by Joaquin Marieta, the Mexican Robin Hood. Though she deplores Joaquin's dishonest behavior, she can't help but be charmed by his personality, and she does her best to help him before ultimately making another very narrow escape.
Like Weasel and Mr. Tucket, Bandit's Moon is another adventure story from the early days of the American West. Though the main character in this story is a girl and the main villain a real person, there is very little else to differentiate this story from the others. Details about the actual Gold Rush are few and far between, and instead the story focuses mainly on Annyrose's feelings of warmth and concern toward Joaquin. It's an entertaining read, which introduces a larger-than-life historical figure most kids probably would not otherwise learn about, but as a historical lesson about the time period, it would fall pretty flat. Though the main character is much younger, Bo at Ballard Creek does a much better job of exploring the daily life of gold prospectors from a more realistic and less romanticized point of view.
Sid Fleischman's talent as a writer is evident in the McBroom books and in his Newbery winning novel, The Whipping Boy, but this book is less memorable. I would keep it on hand for kids who love this time period - and for girls requesting adventure stories with female protagonists - but I will likely forgo using it for homeschooling.
December 23, 2016
AnnyRose, left by her brother with O.O. Mary until he can earn money enough to support her, suddenly finds herself hiding from the dread Joaquin, a notorious bandit. She's found almost immediately, but Joaquin thinks "this boy" could help him learn what he really needs to know ... how to read English. So, she begins her journey toward her bother with a group of outlaws, trying to understand what drives them.
July 24, 2013
If this isn't a classic already, then it definitely should be. Bandit's Moon is by far my favorite childhood book, and still remains one of my favorites even today. Although aimed at middle school aged children, it is a fantastic tale of a young girl who ends up on a crazy adventure with Mexican bandits. Though less detailed than a novel aimed at an older audience would be, I still feel like Bandit's Moon captures the culture of the time period.
Based off a true--though little known--person, there is plenty of leeway for wild adventures without going far from what truly happened to the real Joaquin. The dialogue between characters is written to show the accents of the Mexican bandits, as well as the many other characters. Each character has his own story to tell, with each melding together to push the plot along.
Bandit's Moon is a fantastic tale of adventure that will take young readers right along with the Mexican Bandits and their young tag-along. Full of action, fun dialogue, and colorful characters, it's a book worth reading by any age group.
I bought this book, and therefore was not required nor asked to write a review, nor a positive one at that. I was not compensated for this review.
Based off a true--though little known--person, there is plenty of leeway for wild adventures without going far from what truly happened to the real Joaquin. The dialogue between characters is written to show the accents of the Mexican bandits, as well as the many other characters. Each character has his own story to tell, with each melding together to push the plot along.
Bandit's Moon is a fantastic tale of adventure that will take young readers right along with the Mexican Bandits and their young tag-along. Full of action, fun dialogue, and colorful characters, it's a book worth reading by any age group.
I bought this book, and therefore was not required nor asked to write a review, nor a positive one at that. I was not compensated for this review.
January 18, 2015
I listened to this on a long car ride. I find listening to a book is much different from reading. I also think that if I was reading this book, I would've put it down and not finished it.
I'm probably bias because the book was geared towards children - I think 5th-6th grade, not me. Granted there are kid books I like but this one was just ok. It follows the adventure a girl, Annie, takes out west. Eventually, she is picked up by a bandit and spends time with him. (she would argue kidnapped but ... read it and you decide) Much of the story, is about how the bandit is misrepresented. Her view of the world and her decision making was simple and clear .... and predictable.
It was an OK book, it moved but it stayed on the surface of the story plus, again, I don't think I was the target audience.
I'm probably bias because the book was geared towards children - I think 5th-6th grade, not me. Granted there are kid books I like but this one was just ok. It follows the adventure a girl, Annie, takes out west. Eventually, she is picked up by a bandit and spends time with him. (she would argue kidnapped but ... read it and you decide) Much of the story, is about how the bandit is misrepresented. Her view of the world and her decision making was simple and clear .... and predictable.
It was an OK book, it moved but it stayed on the surface of the story plus, again, I don't think I was the target audience.
December 4, 2014
One quickly learns what to expect after reading a Sid Fleischman Western adventure or two: colorful characters with language steeped in the culture of the time period, a deeper mystery that isn't resolved until the plot takes a few blind corners right near the end of the book, and a style and sense of humor that no other creator of juvenile lit can quite match. Bandit's Moon is as entertaining and well-built as any of the Sid Fleischman Westerns I've read, and I have no doubt kids will have a ball with it.
June 25, 2012
I picked up this book when I was still in secondary school (I was a bit of an advanced reader, if I do say so myself), after my junior-high aged cousin left it lying around. It was one of the first books that really hit me, and I daresay that I compare how I fell about other books to how I felt years ago, after I finished this book.
Until today, actually, I couldn't remember the name or the author, but I could still tell anyone who asked what happened and in what order. It had a lasting effect on me. I'll definitely be picking up a copy as soon as possible.
Until today, actually, I couldn't remember the name or the author, but I could still tell anyone who asked what happened and in what order. It had a lasting effect on me. I'll definitely be picking up a copy as soon as possible.
July 23, 2014
gr 3-6 132 pgs
mid 1800s, Southwest. Ever since her brother left her with O O Mary, 12 year old Annyrose has waited for him to send for her. O O Mary treats Annyrose like a slave and calls her an orphan. But Annyrose knows that her brother is out there and when the bandit Joaqin Murieta robs O O Mary, Annyrose decides to go along with him in hopes he might help her find her brother.
As she gets to know him she finds out that not everything she's heard about Murieta is true. Is he a bandit or a robin hood?
Great story!!
mid 1800s, Southwest. Ever since her brother left her with O O Mary, 12 year old Annyrose has waited for him to send for her. O O Mary treats Annyrose like a slave and calls her an orphan. But Annyrose knows that her brother is out there and when the bandit Joaqin Murieta robs O O Mary, Annyrose decides to go along with him in hopes he might help her find her brother.
As she gets to know him she finds out that not everything she's heard about Murieta is true. Is he a bandit or a robin hood?
Great story!!
August 28, 2010
"How is it even possible to make a boring movie about Alexander?" This question was posed by my first-year Greek instructor, Joe Smith, with respect to Oliver Stone's turgid embarrassment. A boring book about Joaquin Murietta, one of the swashbucklingest characters in American history (think real-life Zorro), evokes a similar astonishment. People love Sid Fleischman and, for the most part, I don't get it. I did like his Houdini book, though.
December 10, 2011
My daughter read this for "Battle of the Books" at school. She said the book confused her a little, but she liked it anyway. I don't know if I would have liked it when I was young, non sci-fi adventure books weren't my thing. But reading it now I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the story. Prejudices and motivations are examined without being too blunt about it. Not bad for my first Fleischman book.
August 22, 2008
It's always tricky writing a book about a famous historical figure (in the case, the early California bandit, Joaquin Murietta), but a separate main character with her own story and strong voice is a good way to start. I read it looking for good old-west flavor and turns of phrase, which it had in spades.
March 18, 2009
To my surprise I actually really liked this tale of Joaquin, the Mexican Robin Hood. It takes place during the California gold rush when greed and racism were at an extreme. It’s an adventure that would intrigue both boys and girls. Many different emotions arise, changes take place, and the plot and characters are well developed. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 8, 2011
A great book for an adventure. It makes you excited to read. It's a fictional book about real people. It's hard to believe that they're real people because of how adventurous the story is. It makes me want to learn a lot more about the people.
Everyone should read this book, especially people who like adventures.
Everyone should read this book, especially people who like adventures.
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