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Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Grace Lin

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient China • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

810L

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Super Short Summary

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin follows Minli, a young girl from a poor village who embarks on a quest to seek the Old Man of the Moon and change her family's fate. Guided by folklore and aided by a flightless dragon, she encounters magical beings and overcomes various challenges, ultimately learning the importance of gratitude and selflessness.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

55,079 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Grace Lin's Where The Mountain Meets The Moon masterfully blends Chinese folklore with an engaging narrative. Readers praise its vibrant illustrations and rich storytelling, ideal for young audiences. However, some find the pacing slow at times. Overall, it is a celebrated work that captivates and educates, making it a valuable addition to children's literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Where The Mountain Meets The Moon?

Readers who enjoy Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin are likely fans of richly woven fantasy tales with cultural heritage and moral lessons, similar to those found in The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. They appreciate stories that blend adventure with mythological elements.

4.5

55,079 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Minli

Minli is the protagonist and hero in *Where the Mountain Meets the Moon*. She is dutiful, empathetic, curious, and resourceful, and embarks on a quest driven by these traits.

Ma is Minli’s mother, portrayed as unsatisfied and cynical at first, but she undergoes an internal transformation toward gratitude after Minli leaves on her journey.

Ba is Minli’s father, a storyteller who maintains his faith and optimism in difficult times, providing support and comfort to the family.

Dragon is Minli’s best friend and sidekick during her journey. Initially an orphaned painting who becomes real, he is loyal and protective.

The buffalo boy is a minor character who lives in the City of Bright Moonlight and embodies contentment, influencing Minli’s outlook.

Magistrate Tiger is a wrathful and selfish character representing greed and chaos, who reincarnates as a formidable green tiger.

The king exhibits empathy and generosity, often disguising himself to stay in touch with his people’s needs and aiding Minli in her journey.

A-Fu and Da-Fu are twins known collectively as Da-A-Fu, who display bravery and ingenuity. A-Gong and Amah provide warmth and hospitality to Minli, exemplifying family love and support.

The Old Man of the Moon is an Immortal who resides on Never-Ending Mountain, symbolizing wisdom and hope by deciding destinies with his Book of Fortune.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient China • Fantasy World

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

810L

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