I don't even know where to start with this delightful fantasy which brings a kind of freshness to the genre. First and foremost, Brava/Bravo to the Newbery committee for going outside their Historical American Fiction comfort zone to recognize an unusual, engaging book. A page-turner from the beginning, it kept me up at night to finish it. There are so many threads -- a story being told from mother to child, a madwoman, babies left in the woods by leaders with a hidden agenda, an apprentice who is more than he seems, a nice witch, a child who drinks moonlight, an adorable dragon, a sweet swamp monster, a sorrow eater, paper birds and MAGIC. Lots of it. There are varied voices as the story veers from one character to the next, all embedded with rich vocabulary and beautiful descriptions. Luna, aka "the girl" in the title, has a real voice and one never doubts that she is an eleven/twelve year old child even though what awaits her is stupendous. Ancient mythology weaves in with poetry and symbolism and yet the whole thing is quite readable. It is a strong book in any category and will hopefully be one of those Newbery winners which actually has appeal for the kids willing to tackle it.
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