The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal)

I read this book in 2021, but it haunts me still almost 5 years on, in all its beautiful imagery and the mystical plot that Kelly Barnhill weaves so magically with her captivating writing. There are genuinely people in this world, who feed off the misery of others. It is these parallels that you can draw from fantasy to reality that make this a standout novel. I loved every word. From the very first chapter and the allegorical writing style, I was amazed at how quickly I sank into the world she created. I still feel that pace of urgency and movement, which is something so powerful and difficult to dramatise in literature. The carrying of “weight” or burden on one’s back or in one’s arms. The heavy duty of love and protecting something vulnerable from harm. The unexpected love as an unforeseen result of humanity and being a moral person. The meeting of all the characters at the climactic end when all is revealed and undone. It’s mesmerising and I cannot urge you enough to read this book. You will be as magnetised towards it as I was and I am about to read it again now as the Thanksgiving Holidays draw nearer. I couldn’t put this down, I completed this book within 48hrs and the delay was only because I had to sleep and take care of my newborn at the time! He is now 5yrs old and I have a second who is 16months. Let’s hope I will have some time to myself to enjoy this book once more and relish the writing again!

I LOVE this book now...this is my favorite book. Just when I read the first word I was soo happy I got this book! I’m surprised. I hope you are too. This is perfect for ANY age. I think I should read this whenever I’m bored!!! You should give the book full stars like me!!! I know I’m a boy but this is perfect. I know I’m writing a lot but... it’s only because I LOVE to read. My own dad when I was little said: Always smell the book. And ya know why ppl? That’s because it helps you read better and get focused and relaxed. If you think my dad was right, then tap that helpful button. Please do so because I love this book so much, that If God said I’d you want your book back, you have To destroy all your other books! You know what I would say?? J would say I will destroy my books. Because I love that book...and I’m not abandoning it or letting go of that magical book! Never.-I’ve got to say you did a good job. Not just good-but uplifting! Every good word. If you did not enjoy this book. Then...I’m sorry you don’t understand how GOOD this book is. Ik there’s a lot of words but you have to read my faithful words-to understand that book The girl who drank the moon is the best book!-plus read her other books. LETS GO for the author! Make more Good books try to make Good books like the girl who drank the moon. If witches were real then you should be one. This is a great book for adults and kids...pls say mine is Helpful if I were you I would say this is....and I and definitely making more of these likes or dislikes. But i PROMISE I will never dislike this beautiful, encouraging, nice, cute, cool, and good story. Thx! Thank you!!! I am liking this story a bunch! Have a good morning, night, or weekend. Thx for your feedback! “ And thx for giving these likes to her too!” If your a boy write:enjoyed if your a girl write: peace IF you enjoyed. So thank you anyways... hope you enjoyed I’m 39 years by the way. My name is: Jeremy Roggenkamp. If you know me say was up Man! So I know. If you’re Daren I’m just gonna say hi! I That was my boss. Now I’m going g General. If you’re name is... Emily... hi! If you’re name is Alice... hi! If you’re name is kolton hi! If you’re name is Jessica hi! If you’re name is Danny hi! If you’re name is Maggie Hi! If you’re name is Allyce Hi! If you’re name is Jerry hi! If you’re name is Dan Hi! If you’re name is Jeremy like me... Double Hi! If you’re name is Ella Hi! If your name is Anna hi! And I’m just Gonna say:bye. bye bye!

OK. So here is a first. This is the first time I’ve read a book that was recommended BY ANOTHER BOOK. Yep, you read that correctly. When I read “The Overdue Life of Amy Byler”, this book was mentioned and I thought to myself, “Well! If a professional librarian named Amy Byler thinks this book by Kelly Barnhill is worth reading, then I should read it!” I purchased a paperback copy and was hooked from the very first page. Let’s be clear...”The Girl Who Drank The Moon” is a Young Reader book, geared towards those 10 years old and up. But I truly feel like this book is for young and old alike (though I do feel the content would not be appropriate for children under the age of 10). If you’re drawn to fairy tales with substance, you will love this book. This story is the tale of the people of a place called the Protectorate. They leave a baby deep in the forest each year, a sacrificial offering made to a witch to deter her from terrorizing the village. When the witch, Xan, finds the babies, she feeds them starlight, but one year she accidentally pulls light from the moon, which enmagicks the baby girl she’s found. Xan knows that a child with this sort of magic could be dangerous to herself and others, so she decides to raise the child. As the child grows, she lacks the skill to control her evermore erratic magic, so Xan has to shield it from the girl. But as her thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic threatens to emerge in full and with what could be dangerous consequences. This fantasy has witches and dragons, and a ginormous ancient beast. The true makings of any fantasy, don’t you think? I found this story to be beautiful. The author uses such beautiful language to tell the story, and though there could have been a bit more character development for adult readers, I think the intended young reader audience will really love how these characters are portrayed throughout the story. I certainly found I grew attached to quite a few of them...especially Fyrian, the Particularly Tiny Dragon who always presented himself as if he was Simply Enormous and certainly had a Simply Enormous heart that was full of love for those he considered his family. This was a very quick read, even at almost 400 pages. I’m very happy I decided to read this book...it is truly a fairy tale done properly.

I bought this book for my 5-year-old, but ended up getting really engrossed in it. It is a multi-layered story, and at the very surface, it challenges the old notions (that all witches, sorcery and extra-natural abilities are evil and must be destroyed). The characters are simple enough for a child, but the meanings will change for the reader when they get older... there is love, loss, heroism, and upending of the usual myths e.g. monsters are killers. In fact, I think I caught a bit of irony in that the portrayal of the true villain is that of someone who appears to be a member of a religious order. It could easily be said to be a criticism of modern-day religions, especially those that focus on sinfulness and sorrow. It is a thinking book, written for thinkers and would-be thinkers because it challenges the common view of mythological creatures and of institutions that people sometimes revere too much. Pick it up... really worth the read.

Mi hija lee mucho y se ha vuelto un desafío encontrarle libros interesantes y cautivadores para su edad - 10 años. Así que probé con este, basado en todas las reseñas, y me alegra haberlo hecho. ¡Ya va por la mitad y le encanta!

Un bellissimo titolo da prendere alla lettera (ironico il tentativo della traduzione italiana di renderlo più ultraterreno) e poi una storia di perdite e ricongiungimenti, amore filiale e la lotta fra il bene e il male spesso celati sotto false sembianze nel governo della città. "...there surely wasn't a witch. ...The belief in her-made for frightened people" (pagina 12) -è un esempio delle varie occasioni che la scrittrice dà di trovare una chiave di lettura del contemporaneo in questo fantasy per ragazzi. In generale il livello di inglese come seconda lingua è fra B1 e B2 ma col dizionario alla mano: a gnarled tree; a smothered flame; guffaws.

L'histoire est très originale et sympa !

One of my very favorite books. Highly recommend for kids 11+ and adults.