Kelly Barnhill

Kelly Barnhill is an American author known for her works in children's literature, including the Newbery Medal-winning novel 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Girl Who Drank The Moon

    In "The Girl Who Drank the Moon," a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby when she is fed moonlight by Xan, a kind witch who rescues abandoned infants from a sacrificial ritual of a nearby oppressive city. Xan decides to raise Luna as her own, alongside a wise swamp monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. As Luna grows, her magic becomes increasingly difficult to control. Meanwhile, the original community continues to unravel under the weight of its own dark secrets, leading to a collision of worlds as Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, when her powers will reach their peak. The story intertwines themes of love, growth, and facing one's fears in a beautifully crafted fantasy world.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. When Women Were Dragons

    Set in an alternate 1950s America, this novel explores a world where women, oppressed by societal norms, undergo a mysterious transformation into dragons. The narrative follows Alex Green, a young girl grappling with the sudden disappearance of her aunt and the societal upheaval that follows the "Mass Dragoning." As Alex navigates her own coming-of-age journey, she uncovers hidden truths about her family and the power of female rage and liberation. Through a blend of magical realism and poignant social commentary, the story delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the enduring strength of women.

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  3. 3. Straszliwe Młode Damy I Inne Osobliwe Historie

    And Other Peculiar Stories

    This enchanting collection of tales weaves together a tapestry of whimsical and eerie narratives, each exploring the peculiarities and mysteries of young women who defy societal norms. With a blend of fantasy and folklore, the stories delve into themes of empowerment, transformation, and the supernatural, offering readers a glimpse into worlds where the extraordinary becomes the norm. The characters, each with their own unique quirks and challenges, navigate through adventures that are both heartwarming and haunting, leaving a lasting impression of wonder and introspection.

  4. 5. The Witch's Boy

    A boy raised by a reclusive witch on the edge of a fearful village struggles with identity, jealousy, and guilt after a tragedy ties him to another child and to a dangerous secret; driven to prove himself he leaves the forest, confronts literal and moral monsters, and unravels the townspeople’s lies. Blending grim fairy-tale atmosphere and tender humanity, the story follows his quest through grief and wonder as he discovers how stories and truth can wound or heal, and how forgiveness can break cycles of fear.

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