THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON, by Kelly Barnhill

The story: Stolen from her mother as a baby, Luna is found and raised by a kindly witch, who sees how destructive Luna's moon magic is becoming and figures out a way to bind it until her 13th birthday. Little does Xan know that this will leave the girl unprotected. Little does she know that there are others who wish to do her harm. With the help of a swamp monster, an extremely tiny dragon, and the mother she doesn't even know, will Luna be able to tame her own magic and use it to keep everyone safe?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes (ritual sacrifice) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: Well, who am I to argue with the august Newbery committee? I really liked this one--my only question is how many readers grade 4-6 will stick with a literary fantasy with beautiful words but not as much action as the regular variety of fantasy. I fell that this is one of those stories better liked by adults on committees than by the kids they target. Still, totally worthy to be on anyone's ES or MS library shelves. Just ask the Newbery folks.