The Girl Who Drank the Moon cover
Best Seller Award Winner

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

Reading List Award Winners Best Sellers Popular Reading Fun Reads

Overview & Summary

Each year, the people of the Protectorate leave their youngest child in the forest as a sacrifice to appease a witch they believe will otherwise destroy their town -- but the witch, Xan, is actually gentle and has been secretly raising the abandoned children in loving homes elsewhere, until one baby she accidentally feeds moonlight instead of starlight grows up with extraordinary magic of her own. Kelly Barnhill's Newbery Medal-winning novel is a lush, inventive fairy tale about fear, magic, and found family.

Available Formats

  • 🎧Audiobook
  • 📖Hardcover
  • 📱Kindle
  • 📖Paperback

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Who This Book Is For

Recommended for High school students (Grades 9–12) working on English Literature. Fits students building reading confidence, vocabulary, and strong comprehension.

Grade LevelUpper (9-12)
Lexile ComplexityHigh School & Up (1100L+)

Why CE Recommends This Book

Categorized as a Fun Read — perfect for leisure reading outside of class. It gives students a relaxed way to build reading stamina, enjoy great storytelling, and practice a wider imagination without academic pressure.

Academic & Admissions Takeaways
Grade & Readiness: Aligned for Upper (9-12).
Lexile Complexity: Targeted for High School & Up (1100L+).
Subject Alignment: Builds vocabulary, reading stamina, and analytical skills for English Literature.
Reading Goal: Independent leisure reading & imaginative thinking.