Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Author: Grace Lin

Publisher: Little and Brown

Year: 2009

ISBN: 9780316114271

Plot Summary:

A young girl named Minli, lives with her parents at the foot of Fruitless Mountain near the Jade River. Desperately poor and barely able to keep food on the table Minli’s father tells her tales to pass the time and make their evenings easier. Minli’s mother, angry and disappointed at their lot in life, thinks that he fills her head full of nonsense. When Minli’s father tells her the story of the Old Man of the Moon and his ability to answer any question, Minli decides to find him and ask how to improve her family’s life. Throughout her journey she finds excitement and danger. She meets new friends, gains wisdom and realizes where her true fortune lies while her parents learn valuable lessons at home.

Critical Analysis:

Lin’s insertion of Chinese folktales within the larger story of Minli’s exciting adventure cleverly enhances Minli’s journey and makes this fast paced fantasy especially rich and meaningful. Each of the folktales is incorporated into the lessons Minli is learning about friendship, family, love, and contentment. The occasional full-page illustrations contain intricate detail and vibrant colors that add a richness and depth to this story while Lin’s portrayal of Minli’s lively spirit and strength of character make her a heroine worth reading about.

Awards/Reviews:

The author's writing is elegant, and her full-color illustrations are stunning. School Library Journal

Starred review: Children will embrace this accessible, timeless story about the evil of greed and the joy of gratitude. Booklist

Bets Children’s Books of the Year, 2010; Bank Street College of Education; United States

John Newbery Medal, 2010 Honor Book United States

Young Reader’s Choice Award, 2012, Nominee Junior United States

Connections:

Find other Chinese Folktales and compare them with the book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Create your own illustrations for your favorite part of the story. Use collage materials rather than pen and ink, or paper and paint.

Write Chinese characters for mountain, moon, fish, and rice.