By Grace Lin
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is an enchanting book for young readers, taking them on a journey with a young girl, named Minli, to find the Old Man of the Moon.
Living in the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, Minli and her parents spend their days working hard in the rice fields and their nights listening to folk lore stories about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon told by her father. Her mother’s discontentment with their meager living comes out in angry sighs and critical comments about filling Minli’s head with fantasy.
Filled with questions, Minli takes it upon herself to change the family’s fortune by asking the Old Man of the Moon, but first, she has to find him. On her journey, she finds an extraordinary cast of characters that help her along the way, including a dragon who cannot fly. Her giving heart and quick mind carry her through the journey’s ups and downs.
When she finally meets the Old Man of the Moon, she is allowed only one question, making her ponder between her family’s fortune and a friend’s need.
The well written book weaves a wonderful web, subtly connecting the tales interjected throughout the journey. The characters grow and change, realizing the true meaning of fortune.
I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to any young reader.