Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

         Bibliography: Lin, G. (2009). Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Little, Brown and Co. ISBN: 9780316114271

          Plot Summary: Minli lives in a poor village. After hearing many of the old folktales from her father, she decides to head on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of changing her family's circumstances. Along the way, she meets many fantastical creatures who regale with her stories that teach her many valuable lessons. Eventually Minli discovers that the magic she was searching for lies within her, and with this knowledge, she returns to her family where true happiness had been all along. 

Critical Analysis: Lin uses beautiful figurative language to create vivid imagery that immerses the reader into Minli's world. Lin gracefully incorporates elements of Chinese culture into the story providing the reader insight into Chinese tradition (such as filial piety) and lore (such as dragons and phoenixes). She keeps true to Chinese beliefs without making them seem stereotypical or exaggerated. Along her journey, Minli is told shorter narratives by the various characters she encounters, and these not only demonstrate universal truths, but also teach Minli valuable life lessons. The illustrations are well-suited to the text, bringing this magical story to life with their color and detail. Though intended for upper elementary and middle school readers, older readers will enjoy this fantastic story as well.

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews: "Lin deftly incorporates elements from Chinese folk- and fairy tales to create stories within the main story.... Richly hued illustrations reinforce the Chinese folk theme."

School Library Journal: "A graceful departure from the younger books she has done before, Lin mixes great writing with even greater kid-appeal and comes up with a story that everyone can enjoy."

          Awards:

          Newbery Medal, 2010

Notable Children's Book, 2010

Mythipoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature, 2010

Connections:

           Use in a middle school English class. Read this book and Wizard of Oz together as a class. Then have students compare and contrast the elements of the two stories.

  

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