The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Genre: Fantasy, Middle-Grade Fiction, Magical Realism, Coming-of-Age The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a beautifully woven tale of magic, family, and the transformative power of love, perfect for readers of all ages. 📖 Synopsis Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby in the forest as an offering to the witch they fear—hoping to protect themselves from her presumed evil. But the witch, Xan, is kindhearted. She rescues the children and delivers them to safe families in neighboring villages. One year, she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, imbuing the child with extraordinary magical abilities. Xan names her Luna, and together with a gentle swamp monster named Glerk and a tiny dragon, they raise her in secret. As Luna grows, her magical gifts grow too—until they become dangerous. With the annual offerings disrupted and dark forces gathering around the truth of her origin, Luna must uncover the mysteries of her past and understand her magic before it consumes her world. 🔑 Key Themes

• The Power of Love and Compassion – Demonstrated through Xan’s protective care for Luna and the sacrifices the characters make.
• Chosen Family – The bonds between Xan, Luna, Glerk, and the swamp monster highlight that family is built on love, not only blood.
• Identity and Self-Discovery – Luna’s journey of uncovering her true self and purpose is central to the story.
• Light vs. Fear – Explores how communities can be driven by fear, and how courage and understanding offer a better path.

💡 Why Read It?

• Enchanting Storytelling – Vivid prose and rich world-building transport readers to a magical realm filled with wonder.
• Emotionally Resonant – Balances whimsy with tender moments around belonging, sacrifice, and truth.
• Broad Appeal – While perfect for younger readers, its depth and themes offer a meaningful experience for adults too.
• Award-Winning Quality – Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal for its captivating narrative and emotional impact.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a spellbinding, heartwarming fantasy that reminds us of the beauty of belief, the courage to seek truth, and the enduring strength of love.