Monday, March 13, 2017

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Publication Year: 2016

ISBN-13: 978-1616205676

The witch in the forest, Xan, is believed to be evil, but is actually kind. She takes the offering of a baby the Protectorate leaves and nourishes them with starlight before giving them to welcoming families. One year, she feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight and fills the ordinary child with extraordinary magic.

This is an excellent example of high fantasy. As the winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, this book would serve as a great mentor text.

Awards
Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal
The New York Times Bestseller
An Entertainment Weekly Best Middle Grade Book of 2016
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2016
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2016
An Amazon Top 20 Best Book of 2016
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2016
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2016
Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2016
2017 Booklist Youth Editors’ Choice


For gifted students, fantasies such as this one can be a break from the real world. Fantasies give them the chance to experience and imagine life in a different world. Additionally, students can learn from the main characters as they problem-solve throughout the novel.

After perusing this book, it appears to be another example of a good book for a book club. I plan to offer this as a choice to my students for a book club very soon!

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