Whimsy & Wisdom: Review of The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Book Title: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Genre/Category: Children's Fantasy & Newberry Medal Book
Target Age Group: 10 to 14 years (Common Sense Media)
Plot Summary:
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a fantastical tale about a young girl named Luna who is accidentally enmagicked by the witch Xan. Raised by Xan, a tiny dragon, and a wise Swamp Monster, Luna must uncover the truth about her powers and the mysteries of her past to save her village from the grip of sorrow and lies.
Justification for Title Selection:
I chose The Girl Who Drank the Moon because it is a Newbery Medal book, a prestigious award recognizing distinguished contributions to American literature for children. This book's recognition and acclaim make it an essential read for young audiences and a valuable addition to our discussion on Whimsy & Wisdom. Its themes of magic, self-discovery, and the battle between good and evil are compelling and resonate well with the target age group.
Format Note:
I listened to The Girl Who Drank the Moon as an audiobook through the Spotify application on my phone. The audio format enriched the storytelling with expressive narration, adding depth to the characters and their adventures. However, the lack of visual engagement meant missing out on any illustrated elements the print version might offer.
Critical Evaluation:
1. Theme:
The central theme of The Girl Who Drank the Moon revolves around the power of love and the importance of truth. Throughout the story, love is portrayed as a transformative force, healing wounds and breaking cycles of sorrow. Luna’s journey illustrates how understanding and embracing one's true self can lead to personal and communal healing. The book also explores the destructive nature of lies and the liberation that comes with uncovering the truth. This theme is powerfully conveyed through the characters' actions and the unfolding of the plot, offering young readers profound insights into the significance of honesty and love in their own lives.
2. Pacing:
The pacing of The Girl Who Drank the Moon is well-balanced, seamlessly blending moments of intense action with periods of reflection and character development. Kelly Barnhill skillfully uses pacing to heighten suspense, particularly during scenes involving Luna's magical discoveries and the threats facing the village. At the same time, the narrative slows down to allow for deeper exploration of the characters' emotions and relationships. This varied pacing keeps readers engaged, providing a rhythmic flow that mirrors the story's magical and emotional journey.
3. Character:
The characters in The Girl Who Drank the Moon are richly developed and multidimensional. Luna, the protagonist, is a dynamic character whose growth and self-discovery drive the story. Her innocence, curiosity, and evolving understanding of her powers make her relatable and endearing. Xan, the witch, is portrayed with nuance, blending wisdom and vulnerability, while secondary characters like the Swamp Monster and the tiny dragon Fyrian add depth and charm to the narrative. Even the antagonistic characters are given layers, making their motivations understandable and their eventual transformations satisfying. Barnhill's ability to create believable and engaging characters enhances the story's impact and allows readers to connect deeply with their journeys.
APA Citations:
American Library Association. (n.d.). Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal.
Barnhill, K. (2016). The girl who drank the moon. Algonquin Young Readers.
Common Sense Media. (n.d.). The Girl Who Drank the Moon Book Review. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-girl-who-drank-the-moon.
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