The Girl Who Drank the Moon
By Kelly Barnhill
A mother tells her child a story about the witch, and other dangers, in the forest.
In the Protectorate, the Grand Elder Gherland prepares for the yearly Day of Sacrifice. This will be the first time his nephew, Antain, will assist him in the ceremony.
Xan, the witch, prepares to bring the new Star Child to a loving family in the Free Cities. This time, however she decides to raise the baby, Luna, with her friends Glerk, the swamp monster and Fyrian, the dragon. On the journey home, Xan feeds Luna with starlight, which is a wonderful food for growing infants. However, when Xan accidently gathers Moonlight to feed the baby, Luna becomes “enmagicked.” Xan tries to teach Luna how to control her magic.
Three tales woven together, told in alternating chapters, create an engaging coming-of-age adventure. Added into the mix are a dangerous forest, paper birds which magically fly, a volcano threatening to erupt, and a Tiger’s heart that stalks sorrow.
As Luna’s thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to escape. Will Luna be able to harness her magic and avoid disaster? How will this affect the Protectorate and Antain? What will become of Xan and the Star Children? How is the mother’s story changing as the years go by, and why does it change?