Children's Literature Reviewed: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Full Bibliographic Data: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Author: Grace Lin

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Place of Publication: New York

Date of Publication: 2009

ISBN: 978-0316114271

Summary: Minli and her parents live in the Town of Fruitless Mountain where they work the rice fields all day and come home at night to a meager meal accompanied by lively stories told by Minli's father, or "Ba" as she calls him. Minli's mother disapproves of the stories and the false hope she believes they bring. Her consistent complaints of the family's poor living conditions spark a desire in Minli to find a way to change her family's fortune. Leaving a note and packing a small satchel, Minli sets off with the hopes of finding the "Old Man in the Moon" she has heard so much about from her beloved Ba. On her journey, Minli faces many dangers, makes new friends, and discovers what "good fortune" truly is.

Review: Initially, I was quite unsure of whether or not I would enjoy this tale. The similarities with Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland caused me to question the originality and quality of this work. I am so grateful I didn't give into my pre-conceived notions because this story turned out to be eloquent, inspiring, and touching.

Grace Lin has embraced the heritage she once shunned and created homage to the Chinese culture that projects the wisdom, humility, and beauty found woven throughout. The legendary anecdotes, given as explanations to various references made on Minli's adventure, offer a charming addition to this already alluring tale. Minli is a likeable girl who is brave, optimistic and warm-hearted. Her family’s struggles offer room for readers to relate on many levels. Her personal desire to please her parents and control her destiny allows for a universal lesson to be learned. Friendly dragons, Goddesses, talking tigers, and royalty all come together to create the ultimate fairy tale setting; but the wisdom and poignancy found sprinkled throughout this work of art provides more than the typical moral of good vs. evil that most fairy tales would teach. The many deep and spiritual lessons found in this piece transform it from an every day tale to a journey of the soul.

Finally, there are multiple illustrations which usually begin the chapters but are sometimes included in other passages. These drawings are simple, fitting, and add just the right touch to this Chinese fairy-tale themed read.

Review Excerpts:

“Readers will love this extraordinary tale with its fanciful characters, colorful illustrations, and the hopes and dreams of a determined and courageous young girl. Highly Recommended” (Library Media Connection, 2009).

“Grace Lin deftly inserts a series of tales inspired by traditional Chinese folktales into the larger tapestry of Minli’s extraordinary journey that is full of adventure and trials” (CCBC, 2010).

Awards:

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2010 ; Bank Street College of Eduation; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars , May 1, 2009 ; United States
Booklist Top 10 SF/Fantasy for Youth, 2009 ; American Library Association; United States
Choices, 2010 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kids Reading List, 2010 ; Oprah/ALSC; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 1, 2009 ; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2010 ; Children's Literature Special Interest Group IRA; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2010 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts, 2010 ; NCTE Children’s Literature Assembly; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2009 ; Cahners; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2010 ; International Reading Association; InternationalRelated