The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon, a 2016 children’s fantasy novel and winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, is a breathtaking masterpiece that weaves together magic, love, and the power of stories into an unforgettable tapestry. This enchanting middle-grade novel captures the hearts of readers young and old with its poetic prose, richly drawn characters, and a world that feels as vibrant as it is mysterious. From its opening pages to its deeply satisfying conclusion, Barnhill crafts a story that is both a whimsical fairy tale and a profound exploration of family, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
A Spellbinding Premise
The story unfolds in the Protectorate, a town shrouded in fear and sorrow, where each year the elders sacrifice a baby to appease a supposed evil witch in the forest. Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, the witch, Xan, is kind and compassionate, rescuing these abandoned infants and delivering them to loving families in the Free Cities, nourishing them with starlight along the way. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby girl moonlight instead of starlight, imbuing her with extraordinary magical powers. Naming her Luna, Xan chooses to raise the child herself, alongside a wise swamp monster named Glerk and a delightfully tiny dragon, Fyrian. As Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, her magic begins to awaken, setting off a chain of events that will challenge the lies of the Protectorate and reveal long-buried truths.
This premise alone is captivating, blending the darkness of sacrifice with the light of hope and love. Barnhill’s ability to balance these tones creates a narrative that feels both timeless and fresh, reminiscent of classic fairy tales like Peter Pan or The Wizard of Oz, yet wholly original in its execution. The story’s layers—spanning Luna’s coming-of-age, Xan’s selflessness, and the Protectorate’s oppressive regime—invite readers to explore themes of power, knowledge, and the courage to confront injustice.
Lyrical Prose That Shines
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Barnhill’s prose, which is nothing short of luminous. Her writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images that linger in the mind like the glow of moonlight. Descriptions of the forest, the murmuration of deadly birds, or the rumbling of a long-dormant volcano are so immersive that readers can almost feel the magic pulsing through the pages. Barnhill’s similes are particularly striking—roads “unwind like great spools of yarn,” and magic surges like “the beat of a hummingbird’s wing.” Her language is sophisticated yet accessible, inviting young readers to stretch their vocabularies while enveloping them in a world of wonder.
The audiobook, narrated by Christina Moore, elevates this prose to new heights. Moore’s performance is warm and nuanced, bringing each character to life with distinct voices that capture their personalities—Xan’s gentle wisdom, Luna’s youthful curiosity, Glerk’s poetic gravitas, and Fyrian’s exuberant charm. For readers who experience the story through audio, Moore’s narration adds an extra layer of enchantment, making it feel as though the tale is being whispered directly to the soul.
Characters That Steal Your Heart
At the heart of The Girl Who Drank the Moon are its characters, each so finely drawn that even minor figures feel real and essential. Luna, the titular girl, is a compelling protagonist whose journey from an “enmagicked” child to a young woman grappling with her powers is both relatable and inspiring. Her amber skin and curly black hair add a touch of diversity to the narrative, and her growth is marked by courage, empathy, and a fierce determination to protect those she loves.
Xan, the witch, is the embodiment of selflessness, her love for Luna and the abandoned children radiating from every page. Yet, Barnhill doesn’t shy away from showing Xan’s vulnerabilities, particularly as she faces her own mortality, making her a deeply human figure despite her magical nature. Glerk, the swamp monster, is a poetic sage whose musings on the universe add philosophical depth, while Fyrian, the “Perfectly Tiny Dragon” who believes himself enormous, brings humor and heart with his boundless enthusiasm. The interplay among this unconventional family is filled with warmth and witty banter, creating moments of joy that balance the story’s darker elements.
Beyond the central cast, Barnhill crafts secondary characters with equal care. Antain, a young man from the Protectorate who questions the sacrifices, is a beacon of bravery, his arc intertwining beautifully with Luna’s. The “madwoman” in the tower, whose connection to Luna is revealed gradually, adds emotional weight, her story a poignant exploration of loss and resilience. Even the paper birds, animated by magic, become a literary element so vivid and imaginative that they linger in the reader’s imagination long after the book is closed.
Themes That Resonate
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is rich with themes that resonate across ages. At its core, it’s a story about the power of love—familial, found, and selfless—to overcome fear, greed, and oppression. Barnhill champions hope and rebellion, showing how critical thinking and empathy can dismantle systems built on lies. The novel’s exploration of knowledge as power, particularly when hoarded or hidden, feels especially relevant in an age of information control, offering a subtle commentary on censorship and truth.
The theme of memory is equally compelling, as Luna’s magic is initially locked away, causing her to forget its existence. Barnhill uses this to explore how perception shapes identity, weaving a narrative that invites reflection on how we see ourselves and others. The story’s emphasis on unconventional families—Luna’s life with Xan, Glerk, and Fyrian, or the adoptive families in the Free Cities—celebrates love in all its forms, making it a powerful read for anyone touched by adoption or nontraditional family structures.
A Narrative That Weaves Time and Perspective
Barnhill’s storytelling is ambitious, unfolding through multiple perspectives and a non-linear timeline that spans thirteen years. While this structure can be initially disorienting, it ultimately enriches the narrative, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle of the Protectorate’s secrets alongside the characters. The shifting viewpoints—from Luna to Xan, Antain to the madwoman—create a tapestry of interconnected stories, each adding depth to the world and its stakes. Barnhill’s pacing is masterful; the first half of the book, which covers years of setup, feels neither rushed nor tedious, building anticipation for the climactic convergence of plotlines.
The resolution is particularly satisfying, avoiding the trope of a prolonged battle in favor of a thoughtful, emotionally resonant climax. Barnhill ties up the major threads with care, leaving just enough ambiguity to spark the imagination without feeling unresolved. The story’s spiritual undertones, emphasizing love over hate, add a layer of universality that makes it feel like a modern classic.
A Few Minor Critiques
No book is without flaws, and some readers have noted that the novel’s slow start or complex narrative structure might challenge younger audiences. The prequel short stories, published separately online, provide valuable context but are not included in the main text, which could frustrate those seeking a complete picture. However, these are minor quibbles in the face of the novel’s overwhelming strengths. The pacing, while deliberate, builds a foundation that pays off richly, and the prose and characters are engaging enough to carry readers through any initial confusion.
A Modern Classic
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a triumph of imagination and heart, a novel that deserves its place among the greats of children’s literature. Kelly Barnhill has crafted a world that is as magical as it is meaningful, populated by characters who feel like family by the final page. Its themes of love, truth, and resilience resonate deeply, while its lyrical prose and intricate plot make it a joy to read. Whether experienced in print or through the captivating audiobook, this is a story that lingers, inviting readers to return to its pages like a favorite lullaby.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Girl Who Drank the Moon to readers of all ages, particularly those who love fantasy, fairy tales, or stories that celebrate the power of love and courage. It’s a perfect choice for parents and children to read together, for book clubs seeking rich discussion, or for anyone in need of a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can shine like moonlight. Kelly Barnhill has given us a gift—a story that is, in every sense, enmagicked.
You can buy The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4jWXhUw
A Spellbinding Premise
The story unfolds in the Protectorate, a town shrouded in fear and sorrow, where each year the elders sacrifice a baby to appease a supposed evil witch in the forest. Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, the witch, Xan, is kind and compassionate, rescuing these abandoned infants and delivering them to loving families in the Free Cities, nourishing them with starlight along the way. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby girl moonlight instead of starlight, imbuing her with extraordinary magical powers. Naming her Luna, Xan chooses to raise the child herself, alongside a wise swamp monster named Glerk and a delightfully tiny dragon, Fyrian. As Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, her magic begins to awaken, setting off a chain of events that will challenge the lies of the Protectorate and reveal long-buried truths.
This premise alone is captivating, blending the darkness of sacrifice with the light of hope and love. Barnhill’s ability to balance these tones creates a narrative that feels both timeless and fresh, reminiscent of classic fairy tales like Peter Pan or The Wizard of Oz, yet wholly original in its execution. The story’s layers—spanning Luna’s coming-of-age, Xan’s selflessness, and the Protectorate’s oppressive regime—invite readers to explore themes of power, knowledge, and the courage to confront injustice.
Lyrical Prose That Shines
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Barnhill’s prose, which is nothing short of luminous. Her writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images that linger in the mind like the glow of moonlight. Descriptions of the forest, the murmuration of deadly birds, or the rumbling of a long-dormant volcano are so immersive that readers can almost feel the magic pulsing through the pages. Barnhill’s similes are particularly striking—roads “unwind like great spools of yarn,” and magic surges like “the beat of a hummingbird’s wing.” Her language is sophisticated yet accessible, inviting young readers to stretch their vocabularies while enveloping them in a world of wonder.
The audiobook, narrated by Christina Moore, elevates this prose to new heights. Moore’s performance is warm and nuanced, bringing each character to life with distinct voices that capture their personalities—Xan’s gentle wisdom, Luna’s youthful curiosity, Glerk’s poetic gravitas, and Fyrian’s exuberant charm. For readers who experience the story through audio, Moore’s narration adds an extra layer of enchantment, making it feel as though the tale is being whispered directly to the soul.
Characters That Steal Your Heart
At the heart of The Girl Who Drank the Moon are its characters, each so finely drawn that even minor figures feel real and essential. Luna, the titular girl, is a compelling protagonist whose journey from an “enmagicked” child to a young woman grappling with her powers is both relatable and inspiring. Her amber skin and curly black hair add a touch of diversity to the narrative, and her growth is marked by courage, empathy, and a fierce determination to protect those she loves.
Xan, the witch, is the embodiment of selflessness, her love for Luna and the abandoned children radiating from every page. Yet, Barnhill doesn’t shy away from showing Xan’s vulnerabilities, particularly as she faces her own mortality, making her a deeply human figure despite her magical nature. Glerk, the swamp monster, is a poetic sage whose musings on the universe add philosophical depth, while Fyrian, the “Perfectly Tiny Dragon” who believes himself enormous, brings humor and heart with his boundless enthusiasm. The interplay among this unconventional family is filled with warmth and witty banter, creating moments of joy that balance the story’s darker elements.
Beyond the central cast, Barnhill crafts secondary characters with equal care. Antain, a young man from the Protectorate who questions the sacrifices, is a beacon of bravery, his arc intertwining beautifully with Luna’s. The “madwoman” in the tower, whose connection to Luna is revealed gradually, adds emotional weight, her story a poignant exploration of loss and resilience. Even the paper birds, animated by magic, become a literary element so vivid and imaginative that they linger in the reader’s imagination long after the book is closed.
Themes That Resonate
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is rich with themes that resonate across ages. At its core, it’s a story about the power of love—familial, found, and selfless—to overcome fear, greed, and oppression. Barnhill champions hope and rebellion, showing how critical thinking and empathy can dismantle systems built on lies. The novel’s exploration of knowledge as power, particularly when hoarded or hidden, feels especially relevant in an age of information control, offering a subtle commentary on censorship and truth.
The theme of memory is equally compelling, as Luna’s magic is initially locked away, causing her to forget its existence. Barnhill uses this to explore how perception shapes identity, weaving a narrative that invites reflection on how we see ourselves and others. The story’s emphasis on unconventional families—Luna’s life with Xan, Glerk, and Fyrian, or the adoptive families in the Free Cities—celebrates love in all its forms, making it a powerful read for anyone touched by adoption or nontraditional family structures.
A Narrative That Weaves Time and Perspective
Barnhill’s storytelling is ambitious, unfolding through multiple perspectives and a non-linear timeline that spans thirteen years. While this structure can be initially disorienting, it ultimately enriches the narrative, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle of the Protectorate’s secrets alongside the characters. The shifting viewpoints—from Luna to Xan, Antain to the madwoman—create a tapestry of interconnected stories, each adding depth to the world and its stakes. Barnhill’s pacing is masterful; the first half of the book, which covers years of setup, feels neither rushed nor tedious, building anticipation for the climactic convergence of plotlines.
The resolution is particularly satisfying, avoiding the trope of a prolonged battle in favor of a thoughtful, emotionally resonant climax. Barnhill ties up the major threads with care, leaving just enough ambiguity to spark the imagination without feeling unresolved. The story’s spiritual undertones, emphasizing love over hate, add a layer of universality that makes it feel like a modern classic.
A Few Minor Critiques
No book is without flaws, and some readers have noted that the novel’s slow start or complex narrative structure might challenge younger audiences. The prequel short stories, published separately online, provide valuable context but are not included in the main text, which could frustrate those seeking a complete picture. However, these are minor quibbles in the face of the novel’s overwhelming strengths. The pacing, while deliberate, builds a foundation that pays off richly, and the prose and characters are engaging enough to carry readers through any initial confusion.
A Modern Classic
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a triumph of imagination and heart, a novel that deserves its place among the greats of children’s literature. Kelly Barnhill has crafted a world that is as magical as it is meaningful, populated by characters who feel like family by the final page. Its themes of love, truth, and resilience resonate deeply, while its lyrical prose and intricate plot make it a joy to read. Whether experienced in print or through the captivating audiobook, this is a story that lingers, inviting readers to return to its pages like a favorite lullaby.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Girl Who Drank the Moon to readers of all ages, particularly those who love fantasy, fairy tales, or stories that celebrate the power of love and courage. It’s a perfect choice for parents and children to read together, for book clubs seeking rich discussion, or for anyone in need of a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can shine like moonlight. Kelly Barnhill has given us a gift—a story that is, in every sense, enmagicked.
You can buy The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4jWXhUw
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