3 min read

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: Summary

Everything you need to know about Grace Lin's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a novel by Grace Lin that tells the story of Minli, a young girl from an impoverished family living in ancient China. She embarks on an adventure to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's luck. Along her journey with a talking goldfish, she meets many mythical creatures and learns important lessons about friendship, courage, and loyalty. With the help of these newfound friends, Minli discovers the true power of her own destiny.

Want to know more?

What is Where the Mountain Meets the Moon about?

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a fantasy novel by Grace Lin that follows the story of Minli, a young girl living in an impoverished Chinese village. She embarks on a magical journey to find the Old Man of the Moon in order to change her family's luck. Along the way, she meets a dragon, an invisible tiger, and other mythical creatures. The key themes of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon include friendship, courage, determination, and perseverance. The novel explores how Minli learns to build strong relationships with others, face her fears and doubts, and use her inner strength to achieve her goals. In addition, the book also discusses themes of family loyalty and sacrifice. Minli's parents provide love and support even when they cannot help her financially. Ultimately, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a coming-of-age story about understanding one's own potential and learning to rely on oneself for happiness.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: Book Club Questions

  1. How does the setting of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon influence the characters and their relationships?
  2. What is the importance of Minli's journey to find the Old Man of the Moon?
  3. What themes are explored in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?
  4. Are there any parallels between Minli's journey and traditional Chinese folklore?
  5. How do Minli's relationships with her parents, Grandma Wu, Dragon, and Fa Zhou change throughout her journey?
  6. How does Minli learn to use her ingenuity to solve problems?
  7. What is the significance of Minli's magical objects and how do they help her along her journey?
  8. How does Where the Mountain Meets the Moon portray values such as family, loyalty, friendship and courage?
  9. Is there a message or moral that can be learned from this book?
  10. Was there anything that you found surprising or unexpected in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon?

What to say about Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

  • Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is an incredibly imaginative story that truly captures the beauty of Chinese folklore.
  • The characters in this book are wonderfully developed and each have unique stories to tell.
  • I found Minli's journey of self-discovery to be a captivating adventure, full of unexpected surprises.
  • The combination of fantasy, humor, and moral lessons make this book suitable for readers of all ages.
  • It is a heartwarming tale that encourages readers to keep their dreams alive and never give up hope.
  • The illustrations in this book help to bring the story to life and make it even more enjoyable to read.
  • I was particularly moved by Magistrate Tiger's transformation from a selfish miser to a compassionate individual who helps Minli in her quest.
  • I appreciate how this story encourages readers to take action and find creative solutions to difficult problems.
  • The vivid descriptions and detailed settings in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon make it a memorable reading experience.
  • This inspiring novel reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, we can always find strength within ourselves if we remain hopeful and determined.

Top 5 Quotes from Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

  1. "The most difficult choices require the strongest wills."
  2. "A good heart will always be rewarded."
  3. "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
  4. "One must never forget the importance of family and home, no matter how far one may travel."
  5. "If you can't change your fate, challenge it."

Adaptations of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

The 2009 novel Where the Mountain Meets the Moon has not yet been adapted into any TV, film, radio, podcast or theatrical adaptations. However, a musical version of the story is currently in development.

Other books by Grace Lin

  • The Year of the Dog
  • The Year of the Rat
  • Starry River of the Sky
  • Dumpling Days
  • Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!
  • Ling & Ting Share a Birthday
  • Kiki and Bobo's Big Adventure
  • The Ugly Vegetables
  • Dim Sum for Everyone!
  • Summoning the Phoenix: Poems and Prose about Chinese Musical Instruments

Did you know?

💬

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a New York Times bestseller and was awarded the 2010 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the Children's Literature category.