MMGM: West of The Moon by Margi Preus

About The Book: Astri is 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.

First Line: The fire Hisses, then snaps, and the dog looks up from his place on the hearth.

What Others Are Saying: "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 Hornbook

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

"Preus tells a tragic and moving story that will not disappoint. The author skillfully weaves fairy tales and folklore into the book, bringing light to the terribly sad story. Preus constantly takes the readers in and out of reality." —Teen Reads

Bloggers Weigh In:

West Metro Mommy Reads

Waking Braincells

The Reading Hedgehog

Good Books For Kids

What I Thought: I've had Heart of A Samurai on my TBR List for sometime so when I saw this on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to review it. The mingling of the Norwegian fairytale and folklore is embedded into the story so smoothly that you don't notice you've moved from one to the other. I had a hard time getting used to the present tense of Astri's voice, but once I pushed past that the read was fast and the action never stopped. I'm looking forward to reading more by Preus.

About The Author: Margi Preus

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Interview on Allison's Book Bag

Who: "Margi (pronounced with a hard "g" like Margo!) lives in Duluth, Minnesota, where she spent 20 years directing Colder by the Lake Comedy Theatrewhile writing comic plays, adaptations, libretti, short fiction, and “short short fiction." She also teaches children’s literature at the College of St. Scholastica’s School of Education. She has previously published several books for children." —Interview on The Fourth Musketeer