July 2009 Indie Next List
“In the poor village of Fruitless Mountain -- where there is always lots of work to do and little food or time to rest -- a young girl named Minli decides to set off on a journey to find a way to improve her family's plight. Lin's story takes you on a magical adventure with a vivid setting and wondrous characters.”
— Lisa Fabiano, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA
Newbery Honor Winner
In the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli spends her days working hard in the fields and her nights listening to her father spin fantastic tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon. Minli's mother, tired of their poor life, chides him for filling her head with nonsense. But Minli believes these enchanting stories and embarks on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest.
Grace Lin, author of the beloved "Year of the Dog" and "Year of the Rat," returns with a wondrous story of happiness, family, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" is a timeless adventure story in the classic tradition of The Wizard of Oz.
About the Author
Roseanne Thong is an English teacher who divides her time between Southern California and Hong Kong.