Throwback review from June 2011!


Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a middlegrade fantasy and Newberry Honor winner by Grace Lin.

Minli lives in the Valley of Fruitless Mountain where she sees her parents work very hard every day in the fields with very little to show for it. Her favorite part of the day is the evening when her tired but pleasant father tells Minli tales about the Valley they live in and how it became Fruitless, as well as about the Old Man of the Moon, who knows the answers to everything.

Then one day Minli decides to try and make things better for her family by setting out on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon - knowing that he will know how to change their fortunes. So she sets out on a journey that causes her to meet a talking fish, a dragon who can't fly, a powerful king, and more!

First off, I must say that I love the vivid, eye-catching cover and illustrations that decorate this charming, sweet, earnest tale of magic and fantasy. It didn't take long at all for me to be swept away in this quest for a better life, sought after by a loving, caring young girl.

The stories told throughout Where the Mountain Meets the Moon are intelligent and provocative, interweaving seamlessly in the plot and enriching it. It's an easy, fast book to read and ready for all ages - a beauty of a book.

Grace Lin's storytelling is entrancing and enchanting, a fun journey with lots of interesting stops. It's surprisingly poignant and touching, bringing the human element of family and love into the story. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is lyrical, lovely tale of kindness and generosity, highlighting the evils of greed and cruelty and the fruits of wisdom, compassion and thankfulness.

There are meaningful connections and plot twists that are astounding and so very sweet and heart-rending. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a truly magical, elegant, riveting tale that puts a new spin on Chinese folklore. It is stupendous and stunning - a simple yet powerful read!