Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Minli's name means "quick thinking". She really is a quick thinker and it serves useful in several occasions. She befriends a dragon; the feeling is mutual. The dragon can't fly, but they still cope. Throughout her amazing journey, Minli learns the importance of friendship, faith and family. She learns that we should not fight anger with more anger. It just adds to the power. Anger can be the strength; it can also be the weakness. Anger can blind perception. I was amazed when I found out who did the illustrations for the book. Grace Lin placed compelling Chinese tales at the appropriate times in the book. It is no wonder why this book is nominated for the 2012 Rebecca Caudill Award. It is no wonder why it was a Newbery Honor Award winner!