“Knowledge is power, but it is a terrible power when it is hoarded and hidden.”
― Kelly Barnhill, The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Ever thought about what happens when magic helps and hurts at the same time? The Girl Who Drank the Moon shows just that.
This story pulls you into a world where love, loss, and magic all mix together in surprising ways. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this award-winning book. From its exciting plot to the characters you won’t forget, you’ll see why so many people love it.
As someone who reads a lot of fantasy, I can say this one is special. It sticks with you. It’s full of wonder but also real feelings.
If you’re picking your next read or looking for a good book for a young reader, this might be the one. It’s magical, moving, and made to be remembered.
Plot Summary
“Just because you don’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Some of the most wonderful things in the world are invisible. Trusting in invisible things makes them more powerful and wondrous.”
― Kelly Barnhill, The Girl Who Drank the Moon
The Girl Who Drank the Moon takes place in a town called the Protectorate—a sad, gray place where fear controls the people. Every year, the townspeople leave the youngest baby in the forest, believing it will keep a dangerous witch from harming them.
But the truth is very different. The witch, Xan, is kind and caring. She doesn’t harm the babies—she rescues them. Each year, she carries the child across the forest and brings them to a safe, loving home on the other side.
One night, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight. Moonlight fills the baby with powerful magic. Knowing the child will need guidance, Xan chooses to raise her. She names her Luna.
As Luna grows, strange things begin to happen. Her magic gets stronger as her thirteenth birthday approaches, but she has no idea how to control it. At the same time, Antain, a young man from the town, leaves home to face the witch, unaware of who she really is.
Meanwhile, Luna’s birth mother, long lost in grief, starts to remember her daughter and sets out to find her. Each character changes throughout the story.
Luna discovers her power and identity. Xan must face mistakes from her past. Antain begins to question everything he believed. Sister Ignatia, the true villain, hides her dark secrets as she tries to hold onto control.
The story is about love, courage, and finding the truth. It shows how fear and lies can shape a world—but how truth, once uncovered, can set people free.
What Genre Does The Girl Who Drank the Moon Focus On?
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a middle-grade fantasy novel that blends fairy tale magic with meaningful growing-up themes.
The story includes witches, a tiny dragon, and strange swamp creatures and the magic feels new but also comforting, like stories you’ve known forever.
Instead of focusing on big battles or fast-paced action, the book centers on the characters and how they grow. The magic reflects their feelings, their fears, and the changes happening inside them.
The writing has a soft, poetic tone, and the pace is gentle and steady, letting the emotions grow slowly and deeply. It’s a story about family, finding out who you are, and learning to face painful truths.
There’s also a touch of magical realism as the magic blends with everyday life in a way that feels natural, giving the story a dreamlike quality while still speaking to real-life struggles and emotions.
Ratings and Reviews
“My love isn’t divided,” she said. “It is multiplied.”
― Kelly Barnhill, The Girl Who Drank the Moon
GoodReads Review
GoodReads gave The Girl Who Drank the Moon4.12/5 stars with the ratings of 108,427. Readers on Goodreads said this book is pure magic.
“Beautiful language and memorable characters. Worthy of a spot alongside Susan Cooper, Ursula LeGuin, and Lloyd Alexander. The sort of book that makes you believe in magic (and love).” – Donalyn
“This is a new favorite book of mine. I love this book.” – Calista
“The book is beautiful and poetic, the language is rich, and the characters finely drawn.” – Dona’s Books
Amazon Reviews
Amazon gave The Girl Who Drank the Moon 4.5/5 stars with the rating of 27.195. Many reviews say it connects with both kids and adults in a meaningful way.
“Barnhill’s next middle grade sensation.” – EW.com
“An expertly woven and enchanting offering.” -School Library Journal,
“A fresh take on fantasy.” -Iowa City Press-Citizen
What Makes The Girl Who Drank the Moon Stand Out?
What makes The Girl Who Drank the Moon stand out is the way it explores deep emotions with care and honesty. It talks about grief, loss, love, and hard choices, but it still holds onto magic, warmth, and hope.
Many books for this age group avoid heavy topics or keep things simple but this book doesn’t. It trusts young readers to understand big feelings and complicated truths without needing to be talked down to.
Even the villains in the story are handled with depth, as they aren’t evil just for the sake of it. The book shows how fear, sorrow, and past pain can shape people and lead them down dark paths. That kind of emotional layering is rare in middle-grade fiction.
In 2017, the book won the Newbery Medal, one of the most respected awards in children’s literature. It’s now viewed as a modern classic, and it earns that title through its rich storytelling, thoughtful themes, and lasting impact.
Who Should Read The Girl Who Drank the Moon Stand Out?
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a great choice for readers ages 10 to 14, though many adults also find it powerful, emotional, and beautifully written.
The story includes serious themes like grief, loss, and child abandonment, but it handles them gently and with care. It never feels too heavy, and it ends with a strong, hopeful message that stays with you.
Parents should know that while there are some sad and tense moments, the book contains no graphic violence or anything inappropriate. It’s thoughtful and heartfelt, offering a good chance for deeper conversations about emotions, choices, and what it means to do the right thing.
This book is a great fit for readers who enjoy magical coming-of-age stories. If you liked The House with Chicken Legs, The Secret of Platform 13, or Howl’s Moving Castle, you’ll likely enjoy the mix of magic, heart, and imagination here.
It’s especially great for readers who are drawn to rich characters, quiet bravery, and stories where magic and real life gently mix.
Book Recommendations If You Liked The Girl Who Drank the Moon
If you enjoyed the magical world and emotional resonance of “The Girl Who Drank the Moon,” here are some similar books you might want to try next:
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend features another young girl with unexpected magical abilities who finds a new family and must learn to harness her powers.
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier shares a similar atmospheric quality and explores the relationship between stories, wishes, and their consequences.
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller similarly blends magical elements with family stories and has also won the Newbery Medal for its beautiful study of Korean folklore and family relationships.
Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley offers another story about a child discovering a magical world that’s been connected to their family for generations.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown may seem different at first glance but shares themes of found family and learning to belong in an unfamiliar world.
Conclusion
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is more than just a fantasy book for kids—it’s a thoughtful story about love, truth, and the quiet kind of magic that changes lives. It encourages readers to ask questions, challenge old beliefs, and look beyond the stories they’ve always been told.
Kelly Barnhill builds a world that feels magical, yet deeply real. The characters face sorrow and struggle, but they grow through it. Their love, courage, and quiet strength stay with you long after the final page.
The book explores many kinds of family—not just the ones we’re born into, but also the ones we build through care and choice. It’s perfect for young readers who enjoy magic, but it also speaks to adults who look for depth, feeling, and meaning in a story.
As a Newbery Medal winner, this book stands out for its heart and hope. Even in its darkest moments, it reminds us that magic still exists—you just have to be open enough to see it.
About the Author
Kelly Barnhill is an American author best known for her children’s fantasy books. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a teacher, bartender, and janitor.
These different jobs gave her a wide view of life. They help her create rich stories with real and interesting characters.
She writes with both heart and imagination. Her books mix beautiful language with deep ideas. They speak to both kids and adults.
Along with The Girl Who Drank the Moon, she has written other well-known books, such as
- The Witch’s Boy
- Iron Hearted Violet
- The Mostly True Story of Jack
- Dreadful Young Ladies and Other Stories
- When Women Were Dragons
If you liked the magical feeling and strong emotions in The Girl Who Drank the Moon, her other books are worth reading too.
