Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

A light, fun, fantasy story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (Lexile: 810; Interest Level: Grades 3-6) begins with the main character listening to her mother complain about their bad fortune and her father tell stories of mythical things.  Minli buys a magical goldfish and then sets it free.  She decides to follow the fish's advice and leaves seek out the Man in the Moon to ask how to change her family's fortune.  On her way, she meets and rescues a dragon who cannot fly and the two then travel together, learning that sometimes stories are based in fact and sometimes the stories contain more truth than you might think.  

This 2015 Indian Paintbrush Nominee is filled with Chinese folklore, fun, and adventure.  Readers who enjoyed Dorothy's adventures on her way to see the Wizard of Oz are certain to enjoy Minli's adventures as well.