Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin
(Grades 3rd - 6th, or 1st - 6th if read aloud)

Have you every finished a story but you just weren't ready to close the book, so you read the author's note and even the bibliography because you just weren't ready to come to terms with the reality that a wonderful story had ended? Yep, that was this book for me.

Minli works the rice fields everyday with her parents to scrape out their humble living. Although food is scarce, Minli is sustained by the fairy tales her father tells over and over again. As Minli's mother grows more and more discontent with their meager living, Minli hatches a plan to find the Old Man in the Moon to discover a fortune that will change the fate of her family.

At the heart of it, this is a story about being grateful for what you have, be you the king of the land or humble worker. Go ahead, pick up this book - 'tis the season!

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff