West of the Moon

In West of the Moon, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Margi Preus expertly weaves original fiction with myth and folktale to tell the story of Astri, a young Norwegian girl desperate to join her father in America.
After being separated from her sister and sold to a cruel goat farmer, Astri makes a daring escape. She quickly retrieves her little sister, and, armed with a troll treasure, a book of spells and curses, and a possibly magic hairbrush, they set off for America. With a mysterious companion in tow and the malevolent "goatman" in pursuit, the girls head over the Norwegian mountains, through field and forest, and in and out of folktales and dreams as they steadily make their way east of the sun and west of the moon.

Praise for West of the Moon
FIVE STARRED REVIEWS
"Like dun silk shot thought with gold, Preus interweaves the mesmerizing tale of Astri's treacherous and harrowing mid-nineteenth-century emigration to America with bewitching tales of magic. A fascinating author's note only adds to the wonder."
--Booklist, starred review

"Norwegian history, fiction and folklore intertwine seamlessly in this lively, fantastical adventure and moving coming-of-age story."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Enthralling and unflinching, this historical tale resonates with mythical undertones that will linger with readers after the final page is turned."
--School Library Journal, starred review

"Astri is like a girl out of a fairy tale, and the native folktales that Preus weaves through the narrative serve as guides, lessons, and inspiration for her."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Several Norwegian folktales are seamlessly integrated into the fast-paced, lyrically narrated story, which features a protagonist as stalwart and fearless as any fairy-tale hero."
--The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

"It's Astri's voice, however, that is most appealing: her direct, no-nonsense narration has a sharp bite, yet it also reveals the vulnerable young girl who's willing to continue to fight but is nonetheless exhausted by the weight of her struggle. The chapters have an episodic structure that makes this an ideal choice for readaloud or storytelling adaptations, while the mix of folklore, fact, and fantasy will please fans of Edith Patou's East."
--The Bulletin of The Center for Children's Books

Author: Margi Preus
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 04/01/2014
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.90w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781419708961
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.2
Point Value: 7
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 165209 / West of the Moon


Award: Parents Choice Awards (Spring) (2008-Up) - Silver Medal Winner
Award: Minnesota Book Award - Winner
Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: Society of Midland Authors Award - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2014
Booklist 02/15/2014 pg. 75
Publishers Weekly 03/24/2014
School Library Journal 04/01/2014 pg. 152
Voice of Youth Advocates 04/01/2014 - Recommended - Better Than Most
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2014 pg. 95
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2014 pg. 537
PW Best Children's Books 11/03/2014 pg. 44
Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books 11/15/2014 pg. 93
PW Children's Starred Reviews 12/01/2014 pg. 75
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2014 pg. 24
Booklist Ed Choice Youth 01/01/2015 pg. 18
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2014 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Margi Preus has written many popular plays, picture books, and novels for young readers. She has traveled the globe to research her novels and, along the way, has made friends in Japan, Norway, and many other places. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota. Visit her online at margipreus.com.