Where the Mountain Meets the Moon in Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge

Jan 03, 2010 Brenda rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, fairy-tale, children-s, dragons

This one of those books that is a joy to read in part because of the physical qualities of the actual book. Wonderful thick quality paper, full color illustrations, interesting text, lovely detailing in color throughout the book. When I read books like this, I am reminded that no e-book could compare. It is really charming.

Grace Lin was influenced by the Chinese myths she read in her youth and she does a wonderful job incorporating them into the story of a poor girl who sets out to do the imposs ...more

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Nov 30, 2009 Kris Springer rated it it was amazing

A children's librarian from another library told me this was his choice for the Newbery. At that point, I hadn't read this book, and I had other books on my pile to read. I've finally read this one, and I am in full agreement. There are many other fine books on the Newbery Committee's list--some of my favorites are When You Reach Me by Stead; Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Choldenko; Peace, Locomotion by Woodson; Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle and Other Lies by Muscle Man McGinty by Marino; and The Ev ...more

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Jan 29, 2021 Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile added it

Shelves: childrens, fantasy-and-supernatural, 2021-reading-challenge, read-in-2021

A magical story containing many beautiful little stories!

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Mar 09, 2011 Brandi rated it really liked it

Shelves: random-reads-column, juvenile, 2011, newbery-winner-nominee, middle-grade

The constant sigh produced by Minli’s mother is a result of the family’s unfortunate station in life. Living in the Valley of the Fruitless Mountain does not leave many opportunities to create a satisfactory and successful life. All her life, Minli has heard the wonderful stories from Chinese folklore from her father promoting hope and prosperity. One story that remains ingrained in her thoughts is the Never-Ending Mountain and the Old Man of the Moon. The Old Man of the Moon is said to grant re The constant sigh produced by Minli’s mother is a result of the family’s unfortunate station in life. Living in the Valley of the Fruitless Mountain does not leave many opportunities to create a satisfactory and successful life. All her life, Minli has heard the wonderful stories from Chinese folklore from her father promoting hope and prosperity. One story that remains ingrained in her thoughts is the Never-Ending Mountain and the Old Man of the Moon. The Old Man of the Moon is said to grant requests if you can locate his mysterious home, although it is well hidden and no one has ever found it. One day Minli spends have of her money on a goldfish purchased from a traveling goldfish vendor, hoping the goldfish would bring her family good luck. Upon taking the goldfish home, it speaks to her and tells her that the Never-Ending Mountain really does exist. The only way it will tell her how to find the mystifying mountain is if Minli frees the goldfish so it can swim in the one river it has never been in before. Minli does what is asked of her and sets off on an adventure to locate the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of bringing fortune to her parents. What she learns is that sometimes your greatest request will be answered without even asking along with the importance of putting others before yourself.
Minli embarks on a whimsical “Wizard of Oz”-like quest, meeting up with greedy monkeys, a boy and his water buffalo, a pair of happy-go-lucky twins, a vicious tiger, and a friendly, yet incomplete dragon whose only wish is to be able to fly. Throughout the tale, Lin sprinkles many stories from Chinese folklore. Accompanying the stories, Lin created beautiful illustrations which bring Minli’s story to life. The stories reveal background information about the main story and may encourage readers to diver deeper into Chinese mythology. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a 2010 Newbery Honor award winner. Lin’s interest in the history of Chinese folklore is inspiring and engaging. This spirited story spun from the legends of the past sparkles with hope, fantasy, and joy.
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Sep 28, 2018 Amy Ellis rated it really liked it

This was our September family read-aloud, and we all really enjoyed it! I just loved the presentation of this book—her font choice, illustrations, and footnotes were so great! So much care and imagination went into this story that blends Chinese folktales with unique elements.

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Apr 26, 2018 Megan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: asia, international-reads, children-and-picture-books, middle-grade-and-young-adult, travel, art, fantasy, mythology-and-folklore, book-riot-2018-read-harder, library-loans

I selected this as my choice for the 2018 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge prompt "the first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series." It was included in the list of recommended titles, so I decided to give it a shot. In addition to being beautifully written, the book is beautifully illustrated. The edition that I read included an explanation about how the book came to be and a reader's guide that would work for discussions involving young and adult readers alike. Some of the stories were f ...more

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Jun 10, 2014 Jenn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: middle-grade

I can't get this book out of my mind. I must read it again! ...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Beth Given rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is a children's story, but adults will appreciate its wisdom. I was reminded a little of The Alchemist -- except there's an Oriental flair instead of Bedouin, and Minli, the main character, was more likable (perhaps it's because she's seeking to better her family's fortune and not just her own?). It was fun to see how the stories -- which were inspired from actual Chinese folklore -- wove themselves together. And I really liked the many values and principles taught in this book, including g ...more

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Jan 22, 2010 Kari rated it it was amazing

Shelves: juvenile-fiction, read-in-2010, read-in-2014, read-aloud

Really a lovely book. Can't wait to share this with my daughters when they are just a little bit older. Wonderful lessons to learn. Well deserving of the Newbery Honor

Updated in 2014:

This worked WONDERFULLY as an all-class read aloud in Skylar's 2nd grade room. It took about 8/9 wks of reading for about 40 - 45 mins each wk. The kids were rapt with attention, begging for more. It worked perfectly with their China unit. Highly recommend for a read aloud. ...more

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Nov 16, 2015 Beth Given rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio

Reread for book club -- this is a short one and worth revisiting. Such a charming, feel-good fable! This was the perfect read for November with its focus on being thankful for what you have. I might have to read this to my kids -- my oldest saw the cover and asked if it was our next read-aloud. Maybe!

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