The Girl Who Drank The Moon

The Protectorate offers a baby in sacrifice to the witch of the woods to protect them from her wrath, but when the witch accidentally feeds the baby moonlight, which is of course magic as everyone knows, it imbues her with power. This is a fairytale to be enjoyed by anyone who likes a beautifully written, engaging story. It's filled with humor, a large cast of quirky characters, and magical realism that encourages readers to think. Awarded the 2017 Newberry medal for mid-grade fiction, it was praised for its ability to inspire readers to harness their own power, and ask important questions about what keeps us apart, and what brings us together. Barnhill's prose is exquisite, creating a magical atmosphere where witches, creatures from the swamp, dragons, and talking animals all make an appearance without feeling childish. It is a weird (in a good way!) tale of a girl whose magic cannot be contained. Women like Xan, full of integrity and charity, Luna learning to grow into her own power, and the brave mothers who fight the system… all rock solid.