Minli’s parents, however, think from opposing perspectives. Her name means “quick thinking” and is a great fit as she figures a way out of every crucial, and sometimes dangerous circumstance. Repeatedly the reader sees Minli’s kindness expressed as she gives consideration for others. She has compassion on her parents, Dragon, and Buffalo Boy. She is independent, yet thoughtful and caring. The folktales begin with “The Story of…” and have medallions flanking both sides of the title. Grace Lin has infused the book with the Chinese folktales she has loved from childhood. The storyline is many stories within the main story of Minli and her quest for the Old Man of the Moon. Grace Lin is both the author and the illustrator of this novel, including illustrating the book’s cover. This fantasy novel will appeal to readers from third through seventh grade. In her journey, she befriends a dragon and many other characters who help her as she searches for the Old Man of the Moon. She leaves home to find him and bring joy and good fortune to her parents and her village. The goldfish directs her to the Old Man of the Moon who is the keeper of everyone’s destiny, and ultimately their fortunes. Her father’s colorful folktales infuse Minli with life and give her hope. Minli uses her coins to purchase a talking goldfish that sets her on a course to change her family’s lives and fortunes. Everything around her is brown and lifeless, while Minli is the bright spot of color in her drab world. Minli, a young Chinese girl, lives with her impoverished parents in the shadow of Fruitless Mountain.

Where the mountain meets the moon cover