Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Liin

1.Bibliography 

Lin, G. (2009). Where the mountain meets the moon. Little, Brown And Company. 

ISBN: 9780316114271 

2. Plot Review 

This is the story of a young girl named Minli who lives with her mother and father. They live in an extremely poor area, and they work hard every day. The mother is a little frustrated and grumpy with the daughter and the father who is always telling stories. One day the little girl hears about the old man of the moon and decides to go look for him to see if he will change her family's fortune. The little girl encounters many different characters along the way from the talking goldfish, the dragon, the boy with the buffalo and other characters on her adventure to find the old man of the moon. Finally, the little girl reaches the old man on the moon, and while she is gone, her mother and father begin to learn to live without their little girl, and the two parents change their outlook and themselves while waiting for their daughter to return. The little girl is told that she only has one question that she can ask the old man. She realizes that her question is not for herself but for another, because she has discovered in her adventure the meaning of true fortune. 

3. Critical Review 

The author has created an adventure story that is a mixture of fantasy and folktales all wrapped in one. The story is also written like a story within a story.We have the main story of Minli and her Ma and Ba. Then a second story is created as folktales to explain different characters in the story and different reasons why situations are the way they are. The author has talking dragons and goldfish in the story which bring in the part of the fantasy. The author also adds her own artwork into the story. The pictures look like they could have been on a tapestry with the different choices of color that was chosen. The author creates a story that teaches the reader a lesson. As the little girl travels in search of the old man on the moon. She meets many different characters that aid the girl in her travels. The conclusion of the story reveals to the little girl what is most important. Helping others and being grateful for the family you have. 

4. Review Excerpts 

School Library Journal Starred, 07/01/2009 

The author’s writing is elegant, and her full-color illustrations are stunning. Minli’s determination to help her family, as well as the grief her parents feel at her absence, is compelling and thoroughly human. 

Booklist starred (May 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 17)) 

Lin creates a strong, memorable heroine and a mystical land. Stories, drawn from a rich history of Chinese folktales, weave throughout her narrative, deepening the sense of both the characters and the setting and smoothly furthering the plot. Children will embrace this accessible, timeless story about the evil of greed and the joy of gratitude. Lin’s own full-color drawings open each chapter. 

Kirkus Reviews starred (May 1, 2009) 

Lin deftly incorporates elements from Chinese folk- and fairy tales to create stories within the main story and provide context for Minli's quest. With her "lively and impulsive spirit," 

 

5. Connections 

 

• Minli constantly asks her father to tell her stories. What does Minli’s mother think about the stories? Why do you think she feels this way? 
• There are many characters in this story. Choose one character and write about the character and the traits that they have. Use text evidence to support your response. 

• The author has crafted many similes and metaphors throughout the story. Choose one example from the book. Write the sentence and explain the meaning.