The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal) Paperback – April 30, 2019

At the San Francisco Writer’s Conference 2017, I heard this book repeatedly recommended by the agent Mary C Moore whenever discussing middle grade fantasy. After the conference, I put it on my reading list. In the past, I had the opinion that the best books are children’s books: an opinion that had faded of late. This book reaffirmed that faded opinion.The first thing that struck me was the writing. It’s frequently said, of course, that every line must serve a purpose, drawing the reader in. Yet I can’t remember the last time I read a book that executed that theory so well as this one did. From the start, the characters and their conflicts are crystal clear; and with a baby being sacrificed to a witch that the Elders know does not exist, the stakes are high. I only felt the story slow down as the writing took time with characterization in chapter two, when we meet said non-existant witch and her magical companions.The second thing that struck me was the diverse age range of our cast of characters. There is the elderly witch; the child that she adopts; the teen-turned-young-man that defies the culture of sorrow of the town in which he was born and raised; and the middle-aged woman who lost her daughter. Each of these characters is confronted with problems of their age. The child wants to find out who she is. The young man learns to push past his mother’s expectations to find a vocation he loves and the love of his life. The middle-aged woman has lost sight of the young woman she used to be in the face of the soul-rending grief of losing a child. The elderly witch is faced with her own mortality.I was also struck with admiration by the time course of this book, which takes place over the course of thirteen years. Of course, there are many stories that do this: Harry Potter and In Malice, Quite Close are only a few examples of books that begin with a set up a decade or more before the meat of the story begins. However, I am accustomed to such stories dedicating only a chapter or two to the set-up before diving into the main meat of the story. This is not so in The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Here, we are nearly half way through the book before we hit the “present,” or the meat of the story. Yet the first half of the book—covering nearly 12 years in the lives of several characters—felt neither tediously lengthy nor overly rushed.Barnhill doesn’t necessarily elaborate at length about her characters or her world. Yet she chooses her words with exceptional skill, weaving a simple world infused with depth to the reader who cares to look beneath the surface.This, I thought as I read, is what truly makes a children’s book ageless: a story so simple that children can enjoy it, but infused with so much depth and complexity that it can be meaningful at any age.The foremost theme from the onset of this book is Sorrow. The people of the town live their lives buried in sorrow and grief; meanwhile, the witch does not allow herself to feel sorrow. In the book, of course, there is a supernatural reason behind this. Taken at face value, one might interpret the story as a manifesto against the human tendency to sink into sorrow or grief. However, I don’t choose to see it that way. At the end of the book, sorrow has ceased to be a liability as it was in the past. The town is no longer perpetually sunken into grief, but nor is there a need to prevent oneself from feeling sorrow for the sake of self-preservation. I choose to see the theme as demonstrating the futility of either extreme: for while they do not wallow, there is still sorrow in the end, though it is presented in a form more complex than any previous form.The world and the story, though original, had a familiar feel to them that made them highly accessible and an easy read, but nevertheless one that made me think.I highly recommend this book.

I would recommend for children 10-12. The book is written especially for intelligent children and those who want their children to grow in wisdom and empathy. The story traverses many different viewpoints and may be more confusing for early middle grade readers. The characters are all captivating. I usually hesitate on award winning books as they are usually the ones that the adults like and the children might not. This one is perfect. Younger audiences might struggle to start but if encouraged to stick with it for a few chapters, they’ll be captivated. This is an excellent one for parents to read a few chapters and then let the children read on their own when they can’t wait to finish. I look forward to other books by this author.

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 haveTo 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! IThat was my boss. Now I’m going gGeneral. 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!