"Hard Face Moon is a heartrending story of broken promises, close to the earth and sky and to the heart of the Cheyenne people. It is an important look at one of the most shameful events in the history of the American West."

– Mary Peace Finley Author of the Santa Fe Trail Trilogy Soaring Eagle, White Grizzly, and Meadow Lark


"Hard Face Moon is an exciting and enlightening read for ages 10 and up. Through the eyes of a 13- year-old Cheyenne boy and his friends, Nancy Oswald tells the sorrowful story of the Sand Creek Massacre."

– Patrick Mendoza, Storyteller/Singer Author of Song of Sorrow: the Massacre at Sand Creek

- 2005 Winner of Willa literary award
- IRA Notable Book for a Global Society 2005
- Finalist for Spur Award 2005

"A poignant first-person narrative... told with spare realism."
- Booklist

"Emma's first-person story is nicely realized; sensory language and strong dialogue carry the tale... A strong addition to the growing body of immigrant stories."
- Kirkus Reviews

"Emma's role as middle child, outsider, dreamer and risk taker is realistic. This well-paced, vivid account should capture readers' attention."
- School Library Journal

"A believable, vividly told story based on the struggles of an actual colony of pioneers."
- The Horn Book Guide

"Rescue in Poverty Gulch is filled with delights. With eloquent charm, Nancy Oswald recreates life in the rough-and-tumble gold mining town of Cripple Creek."
—Margaret Coel, author of Chief Left Hand and the Wind River novels

"Readers are sure to adore best friends Ruby and Maude. Her donkey, Maude, is the best friend a tomboy like Ruby can have! This is a page-turning adventure laced with twists, turns, humor, and a cast of memorable characters. We can only hope that Ruby and Maude team up for more fast and fun adventures."
—Randall Platt, Award-winning author of Hellie Jondoe

"Nancy Oswald has the magical ability to let her young readers see life as it was a century ago. Ruby's story gives the reader a great sense of 1896 Cripple Creek. This is a great read for kids!"
—Jan Collins, Director, Cripple Creek District Museum, Cripple Creek, Colorado