Anna Staniszewski

You know those books that leave you feeling utterly satisfied when you finish them? I have a new one to add to that category: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. This book jumped out at me the moment I saw it because of its beautiful cover. But there’s much more to it than its lovely design.

The story, based in Chinese folklore, follows Minli, a young girl who sets out into the world to change her fortune. While Minli is the main character, we hear stories of other characters such as the Old Man on the Moon and the Jade dragon. The stories in themselves are interesting, but what makes the book work is how the stories connect, creating a cohesive and satisfying whole.

Something that stayed with me even after I’d finished reading the book was Lin’s use of imagery. Her descriptions are simple yet vivid and there is something magical about the way she describes the details of Minli’s story, from the light of the moon, to a single grain of rice. Each detail holds meaning and contributes to the rich mood of the book. Add in the colorful illustrations and you have a delightful reading experience from beginning to end.

• Categories: A Closer Look, Books