Parents' Guide to

The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

September goes on a moon mission in compelling installment.

Book Catherynne M. Valente Fantasy 2013
The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two Poster Image

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What's the Story?

As September's 14th birthday comes and goes and she takes on more adult responsibilities, she fears that maybe she's too old to go back to Fairyland, that the place she loves no longer wants her. When her transport arrives unexpectedly, she's quickly sent on a mission to Fairyland's moon. Her joyous reunion with friends Ell and Saturday soon leads to many dangers on the quest, encounters with strange characters, and challenging surprises as they cope with the growing complexities of inter-species, inter-world friendship.

Is It Any Good?

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Kids say (2):

Author Catherynne M. Valente's vivid imagination and prose continue in epic form in THE GIRL WHO SOARED OVER FAIRYLAND AND CUT THE MOON IN TWO, the third volume of the Fairyland series. Her narrative voice hustles September along the path of adventure, often pausing to deliver pithy lectures on subjects from the troubles caused by lies to fate vs. free will, all the while throwing off hilariously erudite one-liners and heartrending bits of emotional insight on the way to a cliff-hanger ending. Once again, Ana Juan's illustrations are surreal, poignant, funny, and immensely appealing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why books about Fairyland are so popular. How does the version of Fairyland that appears in this series compare with the ones in other books? Which do you like better?

  • "What others call you you become" is a concept September tries to come to terms with, whether the names come from someone in Fairyland or the mean girls at school. Do you think you become what other people say you are? Why, or why not? Can you think of any examples?

  • If you could fast-forward through all the parts of your life you don't like and just enjoy the good parts (like fairies can), would you? What might you skip over, and what would you not want to miss?

Book Details

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