Ages 10+1-min guideFantasyFamilyLoss
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
by Kelly Barnhill
Good fitA good fit for most kids 10 and up. A lyrical, Newbery-winning fairy tale about love and grief. A beloved grandmother figure dies gently at the end.
Create a free family account to see a verdict for each of your kids.
What it’s about
Each year, the town of the Protectorate leaves a baby in the forest for a witch. The witch, Xan, is kind and carries each baby to a loving family. One year she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, and raises the magical girl, Luna, herself.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossSomeXan, Luna’s loving grandmother figure, grows weak and dies at the end. A wizard and a mother dragon died long ago.
Big feelingsSomeA mother goes mad with grief after her baby is taken, and is locked in a tower.
Scary momentsSomeEach year a baby is left in the woods for a 'witch.' Later, a volcano erupts.
Mean adultsSomeThe Elders keep the town afraid so it will obey. A powerful adult secretly feeds on the town’s sorrow.
ViolenceA littleMagic paper birds attack Antain and scar his face. A torture chamber is mentioned.
LanguageA littleMild words like 'fool,' 'stupid,' and 'oh, god,' plus one 'tradition be damned.'
RomanceA littleAntain falls for Ethyne. They marry and have a baby.
Why kids like it
A tiny dragon, a poetry-loving swamp monster, and magic that is hard to control.
Free printable quiz
- 1What does Xan accidentally feed baby Luna?
- 2What kind of creature is Glerk?
- 3What is Fyrian?
- 4On which birthday does Luna’s magic come back?
