The Girl Who Drank the Moon
2016 by
on Goodreads (104,028)
What’s inside...
A young girl named Luna, raised by a witch, only realizes her magical abilities when she approaches her 13th birthday. She is a part of a world filled with lost cities, kindly swamp monsters, fat babies, and a largely absent moon. Luna must learn to manage these new found powers.
Why read this book
- Enhances creativity through magical, captivating storytelling.
- Strengthens empathy with deeply relatable, diverse characters.
- Encourages resilience and problem-solving skills.
- Ideal for shared reading, fosters family bonds.
The Big Picture
- Embrace of love and family ties.
- Understanding truth versus lies.
- Navigating authority with wisdom.
- Finding strength in kindness.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse, strong female characters leading transformative change.
- Emphasizes inclusion through varied, multidimensional character backgrounds.
- Promotes cultural sensitivity and understanding through narrative.
Book in series
#1
Age
8-12
Length
388 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when Luna discovered her magical abilities? How do you think you would feel in her place?
Why do you think the people of the Protectorate believe they must sacrifice a baby each year? How does this affect everyone in the community?
How do the characters in the story show bravery or kindness? Can you think of a time when you were brave or kind like them?
What do you think is the importance of the 'truth' in the story? How did knowing or not knowing the truth affect the characters?
If you could have a magical power like Luna, what would it be and why? How would you use it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by validating their feelings and showing genuine interest in their responses.
Draw parallels between the story and real-life situations to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective of the story’s themes.
Create a comfortable and encouraging environment for the discussion, perhaps setting aside a specific time after reading to talk about the book.
What parents love
Magical story, beautifully unfolds, deeply captivates.
Handles tough themes gently, age-appropriate manner.
Prompts critical thinking and empathy.
Visually imaginative, keeps kids engaged.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The power of love and sacrifice
Explanation: In 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon,' the character Xan demonstrates deep love and sacrifice by rescuing abandoned children and nourishing them with starlight. Her actions underscore the themes of selflessness and devotion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of caring for others and the impact of selfless actions in building strong, loving relationships in their families and communities.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: The protagonist, Luna, is different because of the magical powers she accidentally acquires. Throughout the book, characters learn to accept and embrace her differences, which highlights the value of diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate individual differences in their peers, promoting inclusiveness and empathy in school and social settings.
Example Lesson: The quest for knowledge and truth
Explanation: The storyline progresses as Luna seeks to uncover the hidden truths about her past and the world around her. This quest emphasizes the importance of curiosity and perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inquisitive and persistent in their educational journeys, whether it involves asking questions in class, exploring new hobbies, or reading more about subjects that fascinate them.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deception
Explanation: The village elders use deception to control and instill fear among the people, which ultimately leads to disruption and conflict. This aspect of the story highlights the negative impacts of deceit.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of honesty and the potential harm that lies and manipulation can cause in relationships and communities.