The Girl Who Drank the Moon | Kelly Barnhill | Newbery Medal-Winning Middle Grade Fantasy Novel|Paperback

Enter a magical world filled with mystery, wonder, and unexpected courage in The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill, winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal.

Each year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch they fear lives in the forest. But the kind witch Xan has never understood why the villagers are so afraid. When she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, the child becomes filled with extraordinary magic. Xan names her Luna and raises her with love, unaware of the powerful destiny unfolding as Luna grows.

This beautifully written fantasy explores love, courage, truth, sacrifice, and the power of stories. With imaginative world-building and richly developed characters, it offers plenty of opportunities for thoughtful reading and discussion.

Educational Connections

- Language Arts: Explore symbolism, imagery, figurative language, plot, and character development.

- Critical Thinking: Examine how fear, misinformation, and assumptions shape a community.

- Character Education: Discuss compassion, courage, sacrifice, family, and standing up for what is right.

- Creative Writing: Inspire students to create magical worlds, develop characters, and write their own fantasy stories.

- Literary Discussion: Consider themes, symbolism, perspective, and the role of storytelling.

Product Details

- Title: The Girl Who Drank the Moon

- Author: Kelly Barnhill

- Format: Paperback

- Genre: Middle grade fantasy

- Award: 2017 Newbery Medal

Ideal For: Homeschool literature studies, independent reading, fantasy lovers, book clubs, and middle-grade reading collections.

Reader note: The story includes themes of abandonment, grief, danger, and sacrifice. It may be a good choice for guided discussion about complex emotions and moral choices.