The Girl Who Drank the Moon

Name: The Girl Who Drank the Moon
ISBN: 9781616207465

by Kelly Barnhill

Every year, a baby is sacrificed to a forest witch, but this witch is kind, rescuing them and finding them homes. When one baby, Luna, is accidentally imbued with powerful moonlight magic, the witch r

About This Book

"The Girl Who Drank the Moon" is a Newbery Medal-winning epic fantasy for middle-grade readers, ages 10-14. It tells the enchanting and poignant story of Luna, a girl accidentally filled with extraordinary magic by moonlight, who is raised by a benevolent witch, a wise Swamp Monster, and a tiny dragon. The people of the Protectorate believe they are sacrificing babies to a terrifying witch, but the truth is far more complex and heartbreaking. As Luna's thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic becomes volatile, drawing her into a quest to understand her powers and the dark secrets of her world. This book beautifully explores themes of love, sacrifice, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil, making it a rich read for families to discuss.

An epic fantasy about a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, who must unlock the powerful magic buried deep inside her.

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Love & Family Fear & Bravery Empathy & Kindness Justice & Fairness Good vs. Evil Resilience & Perseverance Friendship & Loyalty Loneliness & Belonging Freedom & Independence Curiosity & Wonder Being Different Growing Up Adoption & Foster Care Cultural Identity Fantasy & Magic Family & Siblings Dragons Monsters

Heads up, parents

abandonment

Scary Scenes

peril_danger

Character Death

Discussion Prompts

Why did the people of the Protectorate believe the witch was evil? How did their fear shape their actions?

How does Luna's 'found family' compare to a traditional family? What qualities make them a strong family unit?

Luna has immense magic. How does she learn to control it, and what does this teach us about responsibility?

The story shows that things aren't always what they seem. Can you think of examples where 'good' and 'evil' were more complicated than they first appeared?

What does this book say about the power of love and empathy in overcoming fear and prejudice?

External Reviews

Google Books

4/5 (1 ratings)

Awards

1 award

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