The Girl Who Drank the Moon
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Girl Who Drank the Moon
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a middle-grade fantasy novel by Kelly Barnhill, recipient of the Newbery Medal. The story centers on Luna, a girl accidentally "enmagicked" by moonlight and raised by a kind witch named Xan, a wise swamp monster, and a tiny dragon. The narrative explores Luna's journey to understand and control her growing magic as she approaches her thirteenth birthday, while simultaneously weaving in the story of the Protectorate, a village living under the oppressive fear of a mythical witch, a fear deliberately manufactured by its corrupt leaders. The book is suitable for a target audience of middle-grade readers, generally recommended for ages 10 and up. It delves into themes of love, family (both biological and found), hope, courage, and challenging corrupt authority. The content includes magical elements inherent to the fantasy genre, some instances of violence and intense situations, and focuses on moral lessons about truth and compassion.
Things to Consider
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and magical elements are central to the plot and worldview of the story. Benevolent witches, sentient magical creatures, spellcasting, and a dark entity feeding on sorrow are key components of the fantasy world.
Xan is a central character and a kind, benevolent witch who rescues and raises abandoned babies, using magic, including feeding them starlight or, in Luna's case, moonlight. Luna herself is 'enmagicked' after drinking moonlight as a baby, developing extraordinary, often uncontrollable, magical powers as she grows. The main antagonist, Sister Ignatia, is revealed to be a 'Sorrow Eater,' a powerful occult figure who sustains herself by feeding on the grief and fear of the Protectorate's inhabitants, orchestrating the annual baby sacrifice.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Recommended for ages 10 and up, aligning with its middle-grade classification. The Lexile level of 640L and thematic complexity, including themes of grief, sacrifice, and challenging oppression, make it most appropriate for readers in grades 5-8. Younger readers aged 8-9 may enjoy it if they are strong readers comfortable with longer narratives and mature themes, as noted by various educators and parental reviews.
Good to Know
The book strongly emphasizes themes of found family, unconditional love, and the power of truth and hope against manipulation and fear. It explores complex ideas about grief, sacrifice, and the nature of good versus evil through its varied characters and interwoven storylines. The narrative encourages critical thinking about authority and the importance of compassion.
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