The Newberys always deserve a read and a rave. The committee surprised and pleased me with their 2010 choice of honor book, The Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. This story has the feel of a Chinese folk tale. We are introduced to Minli, who lives with her parents in a very poor village in the very poor countryside. While her father finds joy in living, her mother is filled with bitterness. When Minli buys a gold fish with one of her two coins, and is ridiculed by her mother for the purchase, Minli leaves, hoping that she will find the luck that her family is missing with the Man in the Moon.
During her journey Minli befriends a flightess dragon, and when she is finally meets the Man in the Moon she is surprised to find that she is allowed only one wish. Minli struggles between the desire to help her family and the desire to help her new friend. Her heart tells her the right course, which Minli reluctantly follows.
The book is decorated with gorgeous illustrations that Grace Lin, the author, painted. I adored this novel for its fresh twist, exciting adventure and true character growth. A wonderful story.
Comments