Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin follows Minli, a young girl from a poor village who embarks on a quest to seek the Old Man of the Moon and change her family's fate. Guided by folklore and aided by a flightless dragon, she encounters magical beings and overcomes various challenges, ultimately learning the importance of gratitude and selflessness.

Grace Lin's Where The Mountain Meets The Moon masterfully blends Chinese folklore with an engaging narrative. Readers praise its vibrant illustrations and rich storytelling, ideal for young audiences. However, some find the pacing slow at times. Overall, it is a celebrated work that captivates and educates, making it a valuable addition to children's literature.

Readers who enjoy Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin are likely fans of richly woven fantasy tales with cultural heritage and moral lessons, similar to those found in The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. They appreciate stories that blend adventure with mythological elements.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Contemplative

**Minli**  
Minli is the protagonist and hero in *Where the Mountain Meets the Moon*. She is dutiful, empathetic, curious, and resourceful, and embarks on a quest driven by these traits.

**Ma**  
Ma is Minli’s mother, portrayed as unsatisfied and cynical at first, but she undergoes an internal transformation toward gratitude after Minli leaves on her journey.

**Ba**  
Ba is Minli’s father, a storyteller who maintains his faith and optimism in difficult times, providing support and comfort to the family.

**Dragon**  
Dragon is Minli’s best friend and sidekick during her journey. Initially an orphaned painting who becomes real, he is loyal and protective.

**The Buffalo Boy**  
The buffalo boy is a minor character who lives in the City of Bright Moonlight and embodies contentment, influencing Minli’s outlook.

**Magistrate Tiger/The Green Tiger**  
Magistrate Tiger is a wrathful and selfish character representing greed and chaos, who reincarnates as a formidable green tiger.

**King of the City of Bright Moonlight**  
The king exhibits empathy and generosity, often disguising himself to stay in touch with his people’s needs and aiding Minli in her journey.

**A-Fu, Da-Fu, A-Gong, and Amah**  
A-Fu and Da-Fu are twins known collectively as Da-A-Fu, who display bravery and ingenuity. A-Gong and Amah provide warmth and hospitality to Minli, exemplifying family love and support.

**Old Man of the Moon**  
The Old Man of the Moon is an Immortal who resides on Never-Ending Mountain, symbolizing wisdom and hope by deciding destinies with his Book of Fortune.

- Where The Mountain Meets The Moon is heavily influenced by Chinese folklore and is often compared to the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz due to its adventurous quest and vibrant storytelling.
- The novel received a prestigious Newbery Honor in 2010, recognizing its distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- Author Grace Lin's own travels to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China served as inspiration for the rich cultural and mythical elements woven throughout the book.

Grace Lin

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Where The Mountain Meets The Moon | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Where The Mountain Meets The Moon and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-9

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-15

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 10-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-26

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 21-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-31

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 27-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-37

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 32-37 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 38-41

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 38-41 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 42-45

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 42-45 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 46-48

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Chapters 46-48 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Character Analysis

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Themes

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Essay Topics

Introduction

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon Before Reading

During Reading

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon During Reading

After Reading

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon After Reading

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Before You Read

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