Who should read West of the Moon by Margie Preus: fairy tale lovers, dreamers, adventurers, history junkies, and lovers of strong female characters.
The story: A girl in Norway is sold to a Goat-Man but dreams of going to America. The problem, she won’t go without her sister, who is far behind at her old home. Another problem, the strange girl in the shed won’t let her leave her behind with the Goat-Man. A strange trio of strengths, they set off to the coast, to America, to find their father who has left to make a new life for them. Why I loved it: The adventure, the strong girl character, the weaving of fairy tales into the story (I looked up and read the stories she referenced, made it so much richer, but the book is marvelous by itself as well), a book based on Margie Preus’s own history (a page from an old family journal), and the bravery of few choices and everything to lose.
If you love it, you’ll also love: Norwegian Folk Tales, The Book Thief, The Graveyard Book, and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
(Click covers to buy from indie booksellers)
Interview with Margi Preus and a cool pic of her writing cabin
Book Club Advisor 
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