The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Kelly Barnhill)

Title:  The Girl Who Drank the Moon

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Target Ages:  9-14

Genre:  Fantasy Middle Grade Fiction

Publisher Summary: 

Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is kind. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey.

One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna’s thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge--with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth’s surface. And the woman with the Tiger’s heart is on the prowl . . .

Awards:   Newbery Award, Multiple Best Book Lists

Evaluation:

From the first few lines, I was hooked!  The story begins with a woman telling her daughter about a witch who lives in the forest.  Every year the witch demands a sacrifice of the youngest child in the protectorate.  During this brief conversation, she drops other hints about the setting and plot. The next two chapters are through others’ perspectives—an elder and a boy in the village in one and the witch in the next. Each section intrigued me further.  I could not wait to read the next chapter. 

There are several well-developed characters readers will love: Xan—a maternal and helpful witch, Luna—an enmagicked girl, Glerk—a kindly swamp monster, Fyrian—a feisty dragon, Antain—a brave man of integrity, and Ethyne—a clever and kind girl. Luna will be especially captivate readers with her mischievous and curious nature. 

The multiple parallel storylines and periodic flashbacks create a multifaceted view of the plot and characters.  Eventually, the plot converges into a coherent and satisfying ending.  

Mythical characters and magic blend together with real world characters to create a fantasy world adventure with contemporary relevance.  The importance of forgiveness, love, sacrifice, devotion, and hope are emphasized.  One of the most memorable and powerful scenes is when two of the characters forgive another despite a lack of repentance on the part of the evildoer. 

Though I do not have a problem with fantasy literature taking liberties on the facts because, after all, it is fantasy, there is one part that bothered me.  In the confines of the story, the beginning of all life is the bog. The swamp monster is an immortal and wise being.  He quotes proverb-like lines from “the poet.”  All that is fine with me in the context of the narrative.  It crossed the line for me on a spiritual level though when it rewrote a section of the Book of John to reflect the truth of the story’s fiction.  Create your own version of truth all you want, but don’t delude a sacred book.

I highly recommend The Girl Who Drank the Moon.  Readers of all ages will find it thrilling and thought-provoking. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

Reader’s Guide

Visit Always in the Middle for more Middle Grade Recommendations.

A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L’Engle)

Title:   A Wrinkle in Time

Author:  Madeleine L’Engle

Target Ages:  10 and up

Genre:  Fantasy

Award:  Newbery Award and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

Publisher Summary:

It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

“Wild nights are my glory,” the unearthly stranger told them. “I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me be on my way. Speaking of way, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract.”

Meg’s father had been experimenting with this fifth dimension of time travel when he mysteriously disappeared. Now the time has come for Meg, her friend Calvin, and Charles Wallace to rescue him. But can they outwit the forces of evil they will encounter on their heart-stopping journey through space?

Memorable Lines:

Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.

We can’t take credit for out talents.  It’s how we use them that count.

Just because we don’t understand doesn’t mean that the explanation doesn’t exist.

Evaluation: 

I just finished A Wrinkle in Time for the third time. The first time I read it was in grade school.  I was in college the second time. This time, I listened to it on CD as a refresher for the upcoming movie.

I generally like the protagonist in children’s novels.  However, this one is an exception.  Meg is a bit too whiny and insecure.  She has unrealistic expectations, especially of her father.  She often grated on my nerves. On the plus side, she is a devoted sister and friend.  

The other main characters are likable. Calvin is kind and protective of Meg while being her biggest advocate.  Charles Wallace is wise, brave, and helpful. 

The adults are admirable and trustworthy.  From Mrs. Murry to the three Miss W’s, all the women are strong and smart, but also resourceful and compassionate. Mr. Murry is a devoted father. The Murry’s are steadfast in their commitment to one another despite their involuntary separation.

The plot is paced well. The creatures and planets are imaginative and exciting. However, the ending wrapped up a little too quickly and easily, but it was satisfying.  The main plot points come to a close while leaving it open for the sequel. 

The motifs are powerful—family, love, courage, non-conformity, and friendship.  Children who feel like outsiders—externally or internally—will connect with the heroic trio.  For those who like deeper discussions, there is plenty to mine. 

A Wrinkle in Time was a memorable book for me as a kid.  The unforgettable motifs, characters, and plot have kept it relevant five decades after its first printing. 

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

Scholastic Teacher’s Guide

Resources for Teachers

Study Guide

Teacher’s Guide from MacMillan

For more Middle Grade book recommendations, visit the MMGM round up.  

Five Fabulous Inclusion Book Finds

Strictly No Elephants

Lisa Mantchev, author

Taeeun Yoo, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Today is Pet Club Day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed.  The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends.  Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.

Why It Is Fabulous:  When a boy is left out of the neighborhood group, he forms a inclusive club with a diverse group of pets and children.  Sweet illustrations and the adorable pet elephant help create a memorable storybook experience about friendship and fitting in.

Nerdy Birdy

Aaron Reynolds, author

Matt Davies, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Dejected and friendless, Nerdy Birdy soon discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky.  Everything is looking up until a new bird moves into the neighborhood. She looks lonely.  But not exactly nerdy.  What’s a nerdy birdie to do?

Why It Is Fabulous:  Nerdy Birdy wants to fit in with the cool birds, which many children can relate to.  He finds contentment and inclusion with others like him.   Where this book goes a step further is challenging the protagonist’s comfort zone. When his group refuses to accept the new bird, he choses to befriend her, becoming an outsider once more.  Nerdy Bird reminds readers the importance of including everyone. 

Beautiful

Stacy McAnulty, author

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable…Every girl is beautiful.

Why It Is Fabulous: This energetic picture book depicts girls of different races and interests defying expectations and embracing life.  

We Are Family

Patricia Hegarty, author

Ryan Wheatcroft, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  From busy mornings before school to family vacations; through illness and health; in celebration and disappointment, families stick together.  This book celebrates the diversity of families through shared experiences. 

Why It Is Fabulous:  Each two-page spread illustrates different types of families, each following a daily routine.  The poetic text emphasizes the importance of family and each other—in good times and bad. 

Love

Matt de la Pena, author

Loren Long, illustrator

Publisher Summary: Love is the melody that follows us through each and every day of our lives.  Whether it’s the sound of our parents’ voices lulling us to sleep, the joyful laughter of an uncle’s latest tall tale, or the warm embrace of a loved one telling us everything will be okay, it’s a feeling that takes countless forms and ultimately connects us all.

Why It Is Fabulous:  The heart of this lyrical text is that love is everywhere—even in the most unexpected places.  Love can shine through the darkness and difficulties.  Love can be sensed in the most mundane moments.  The stunning illustrations elevate the text by showing people living in various circumstances and reflecting different ethnicities, ages, and abilities.  The book is a celebration of life, people, and diversity.

Listen, Slowly (Thanhha Lai)

Title: Listen, Slowly

Author: Thanhha Lai

Target Age: 8 and up

Awards: New York Times Book Review Notable Book and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Publisher Summary:  “A California girl born and raised, Mai can’t wait to spend her vacation at the beach. Instead, she has to travel to Vietnam with her grandmother, who is going back to find out what really happened to her husband during the Vietnam War. Mai’s parents think this trip will be a great opportunity for their out-of-touch daughter to learn more about her culture. But to Mai, those are their roots, not her own. Vietnam is hot, smelly, and the last place she wants to be. Besides barely speaking the language, she doesn’t know the geography, the local customs, or even her distant relatives. To survive her trip, Mai must find a balance between her two completely different worlds.”

Evaluation: Listen, Slowly is a profound story celebrating family, cultural diversity, and friendship. I listened to it via audio book on Hoopla, a free service through my public library.

Listening to multi-cultural audio books adds an extra layer to the storytelling.  For instance, most of the story takes place in Viet Nam. There are many words and sentences in Vietnamese. If I were reading the text, I would have glossed over them. Hearing the language being spoken though made it much more immersive. The storyteller does an excellent job changing her voice for the various characters, adding to an already engaging story.

Lai has created a memorable cast of characters.  Unlike many middle grade stories, adults—both family and friends—have a vital role. The Viet Nam setting provides an excellent contrast to the Western world.  I enjoyed learning about life there. 

There are several motifs to consider and to discuss.

• Family:  The heart of the novel is family—immediate, extended, and cultural.  They are so much part of Mai’s life that at times she is longing for her own personal space. 
• Teen Crushes:  Mai has a huge crush on “him,” a boy she has barely spoken to.  At first, she is so consumed with spending the summer at the beach—hopefully, getting to know “him”—that she has a negative attitude about going to Viet Nam for 6 weeks.
• Love:  Ba, Mai’s grandmother, is the reason for the trip.  Her husband went missing in action during the war.  She goes back to her homeland in search of answers. Ba shares stories of their courtship and love.
• War: Growing up, Mai always heard the stories of her parents fleeing during the war, but they did not have any real meaning to her life. Spending time in Viet Nam with Ba and the people in her home village allows her to begin to understand the significance and impact of the war on her family. Some details about the war are relayed, but it is all age-appropriate.
• Life/Death:  Ba comes to terms with her husband’s death and learns to let go.  She teaches Mai to cherish life and all the moments people tend to take for granted.
• Identity:  Mai has always identified with her American culture.  During her stay, she gains a connection with her Vietnamese heritage, even learning the language and appreciating the customs. 
• Friendship:  There is a sharp contrast between her best friend, Montana, in America and the friendships she begins to develop in Viet Nam. 
• Cross-Cultural: Riding mopeds through Saigon, washing each others hair monthly to protect from lice, gathering as a community of women to learn how to stitch, taking long naps in the afternoon, learning a new language, and eating big feasts with the entire village are just a few events Mai experiences.  

Through all of these areas, Mai goes through transformations of varying degrees.  Ultimately, she learns to appreciate her bi-cultural heritage and her family. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Compare and contrast suburban America with modern-day Viet Nam.
• Have a Vietnamese feast.
• Create a PowerPoint of pictures from modern-day Viet Nam.
• Bring in a speaker who lived in Viet Nam to share his/her experiences.
• Research the Viet Nam War.
• Practice some greetings or basic words in Vietnamese.
• Visit LibrisNotes for an excellent discussion of the novel.

Visit Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe for more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday novels. 

Hidden Roots (by Joseph Bruchac)

Title:  Hidden Roots

Author:  Joseph Bruchac

Target Age: Middle Grade – Young Adult (YA)

Summary from Publisher

As hard as they try, 11-year-old Sonny and his mother can’t predict his father’s sudden rages, which can turn physical in an instant.  Jake’s anger only gets worse after long days laboring at the local paper mill—and when Uncle Louis appears.  Louis seems to show up when Sonny and his mother need help most, but there is something about him and his quiet, wise ways that only fuels Jake’s rage.  The love of Sonny’s fragile mother, the support and protection of his Uncle Louis, and an unexpected friendship with a librarian help Sonny gain the confidence to stand up to his father.

Evaluation

Joseph Bruchac is a beautiful storyteller. He builds sympathy and a connection with his young protagonist immediately. There is a fog hiding and foreshadowing the family secrets that tantalizes, prompting me to keep reading to find out everything.  I also wanted to make sure Sonny and his mom were going to be safe.  His father’s temper is a bit scary (definitely may be for younger readers). However, this area is tempered for the target audience (11-14). There is nothing especially graphic.  As the novel progresses, the father gains more control over himself and uses better coping mechanism for his anger.

Hidden Roots is heavily character driven.  Sonny grapples with common issues like feeling isolated at school, coping with heavy family issues, and dealing with a parent being out of work. He finds books can be an escape from many of the difficulties. Sonny matures, slowing moving into the adult realm.  Though he is only 11, he begins working to help his family--both at home with the chores and outside of it to help with the finances. He must deal with his family's hidden roots and secrets.  

Sonny’s father is distant—physically and emotionally.  His father is away working long hours.  Even when he is home, he does not know how to connect with his son.  Uncle Louis though steps in as a vital father figure. The sense there is something more in the relationship is hinted at and comes out fully in the end.  (I am not going to spoil it.)  His mother is the least developed, but she is Sonny's protector and support.  

Bruchac has a Native American heritage that plays an important role.  Uncle Louis teaches Sonny about some of their values especially as they relate to their close respect and connection to the natural world.  The most intense aspect is the revelation about eugenics being used on Native Americans and how it relates to the characters’ past. (This aspect isn't brought up until the end of the novel.)  A tension is created between a desire for some Natives to embrace who they are with fear, anger, and frustration over having to hide it to fit into society. This tension is one of the most compelling parts of the novel.

Hidden Roots is a serious realistic fiction.  The novel gives insight into love, family, and acceptance.  The language and charactization are magnificence. Though it is written through the perspective of an 11-year-old and the harsh content is tempered, I feel the book is more suited for 12 and up.  With the guidance of a teacher or parent, younger readers can also enjoy it.  It is definitely worth your time reading, especially if you want a multicultural or Native American focused book for your curriculum or home reading.

Extension Areas for Educators

• Research eugenics as it relates to Native Americans and other people
• Research the Trail of Tears and other ways Native Americans were removed from their lands
• Learn about the signs of physical abuse and how to help if you see someone in need
• Brainstorm and discuss ways to handle anger in a positive manner
• Interview family members and research the "hidden roots" in your family tree
• Read Native American tales about their connection to nature 
• Take a early morning hike to watch the sun rise (Sonny does this activity with Uncle Louis)

Before I Fall (Lauren Oliver)

I just finished listening to Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall on audio.  When I first began the book, I was tempted to stop it.  The characters came across arrogant, superficial, and immoral.  All qualities I hate to see in anyone, but especially as models for teens.  Because of the countless rave review I have encountered over the past couple years on the book (and because I enjoyed one of her other books, Delirium), I plunged forward.   I am glad I did. 

Plot:  Oliver takes the familiar “groundhog day” plot, but she makes it feel fresh.  Seventeen year old Sam keeps living the day of her death over and over for a total of 7 days.  The first few days she is only interested in finding a way out.  She is also still stuck in her immaturity, prejudices, and shallow teen self.  With each effort to make a significant change, Sam slowly sees the day (and much of her life) through a 360 degree lens.   The multi-layered plot has a steady pace that kept me wanting to come back to hear more.

Characterization:  At the opening of the book, I disliked all the characters.  I grew to like Sam and the others. Even the fiercest character, Lindsey, earned my sympathy. They each illustrated in different ways that people are much more than they seem. The popular people are often some of the most broken, always looking to cover up their hurts, habits, and failings. Sam, also, learns how her actions impact others, often in unexpected and devastating ways. The circumstances, I hope, will prompt young adults to consider their choices more carefully.

Motifs: There are so many great motifs.   First, the story focuses on the bullying of one innocent classmate, Julia.  As she lives out each day, Sam feels the weight of her group’s actions toward this particular peer as well as a few others.  The message about the impact of bullying is real and relevant.  Next, I love how Sam begins to appreciate the people and the world around her.  Unfortunately, she only has a short time to revel in it, but readers will definitely be challenged to “love deeper” and “speak sweeter.” Finally,  illusions play a significant role. Sam lives in an illusion—until that fateful day of her death. She struggles at first to see others and herself for what they are in reality.  As she peels back the onion layers of that day and her life, she gains a greater understanding of herself and those around her.

Language: I love Oliver’s often lyrical and beautiful use of language and metaphor.  Her dialogue comes across genuine and realistic.  The one aspect I did not enjoy is the frequent cursing.  Two of the most common words—sh*t and b**ch—are used more excessively than I prefer, especially for young people. Yes, I know that many do curse—and do it often—and most people cuss on occasion.  For many, this issue will not bother them.  To me, cursing is the crutch of those who lack imagination and/or vocabulary to express themselves another way.  For these teen characters, it is likely the case. 

Sexual Situations:  I was especially saddened by Sam’s initial desire to have sex for the first time with a boy she had mediocre feelings with to “get it over with.”  Fortunately, this attitude does eventually mature.  Also, Sam is flirty with one of her teachers.  On the day she decides to “live it up” since everything will be reset the next day anyway, she becomes sexually aggressive with the instructor, leading to some intense physical contact.  This scenario is a HUGE pet peeve of mine in young adult fiction.  Fortunately, Sam becomes repulsed by the event in retrospect.  With each fictional or real occurrence of the inappropriate teacher-student relationship, I feel it becomes less shocking and, slowly, becomes seen less and less as immoral or wrong—which I believe is a sad commentary on our times.  Overall, the girls approach sex is playful and fun. They are described draping themselves all over guys who appear to have little respect for them.  One of their favorite sayings is “No glove.  No love.”  If they are going to have sex, I appreciate that they at least advocated condom use.  Like many contemporary youth fictions, the seriousness of sex as an extension of maturity and commitment and love is completely absent.

After finishing the book, I believe it was likely the author's purpose to begin with the superficial, popular "mean girls" and turn the stereotype upside down--which she did accomplish.  I recommend Before I Fall for ages 15 and up.  

Delirium (by Lauren Oliver)

Summary of Delirium (by Lauren Oliver):

Lena Haloway is content in the government-managed society she lives in.   The reality that everything is neatly laid out for her—career, husband, life—makes her look forward to her “cure” and the future.   Despite the tragedy of her mother’s suicide and the whispers of the “invalid” community, Lena believes the government knows what is best for its people.   As she dabbles in investigating the forbidden parts of society, she begins to realize the government and the cure are not really about her best interests.  Instead, she will seal for herself a future that is grey and dreary—if she submits.   Lena realizes it is better to love and to live—even if it means feelings of pain and loss.  She must make an important, and possibility dangerous, decision before it is too late. 

Evaluation:

I have seen the Delirium series and Lauren Oliver on many favorites’ lists.  I took the plunge and began reading Delirium at the beginning of the week…I could not put it down.  I was enraptured in the plot immediately!  Ms. Oliver’s language is often poetic.  Her storytelling keeps a steady pace, each new event driving me to find out what will happen to Lena, Hana (her best friend), and Alex (her first love). 

The characterization is well done.  One of my favorite parts is the relationship between Lena and Hana.  There is an innocence in their friendship as they savor the last days of their youth and life with emotions.  They are fiercely loyal and devoted to each other.  Lena starts off as an obedient, though internally conflicted, protagonist.  As the story progresses, she grows bold, confident, and independent—willing to risk everything for truth, freedom, and love.  Alex is protective, loving, and strong.  They appear to be a good, healthy match.    

Since they are living in an oppressive society, it is natural to cheer them on as they defy social and government expectations.  On the other hand, I always feel a sense of conflict as teens’ rebel in novels.  I realize a certain amount of stepping out from parents is healthy and necessary, but I don’t believe it has to be under of cloud of deception and rebellion.  Lena lies and sneaks around a lot--though it is understandable to a degree in her extremely rigid society because there is no other recourse, ever.  I hope young adult readers will not view their own seemingly “oppressive” lives as an excuse to do the same.  This story (like other dystopian novels) should be a cautionary tale of allowing the government too much control over our lives.  Hopefully, it will prod young people to seek out representatives that fight for individual autonomy rather than government control--no matter how enticing the freebies may seem.

There are, also, a handful of profanities and some mild sexual content.  For instance, a scene is briefly described where Alex gazes at Lena with no shirt on.  They also have a night alone sleeping together.  Lena does not feel ready for sex. Alex respects her decision with grace.  Of course, there are many references to kissing.   

The novel prompted me to think about the age-old dilemma of emotion vs. reason.   I think we are so drawn to emotions as humans because they, along with their cohorts passion and  love, are not something we can readily control.  Sometimes we don't want to.  Other times we want or need to, but feel we cannot.  This situation could spur a lively discussion on the role of passion and emotions as well as reason and control in our lives.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this dystopian novel.  I have the next one, Pandemonium, on reserve.  I look forward to reading the other books in the series.  I recommend Delirium for ages 14 and up.