Minli and her very poor parents live in a 'home' where the Fruitless Mountain and the Jade River meet. Her mother is always complaining about how poor they are and her father, Ba, tells stories in the evening to Minli to take her mind off the plight of the family. A goldfish peddler entices Minli to spend one of her two coins on a goldfish in a bowl of water. Minli decides to try to reach Old Man of the Moon who she thinks can change the status of her family. Read this story to enjoy how Minli, the flightless dragon, and a few others learn some very important lessons. The Chinese fairy tales that are included in almost every chapter enhance the Asian culture of the story but can apply to any culture.
Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012
Awards won: Newbery Honor Book 2010
Date read: 1/17/2011
ISBN-10: 0316114278
ISBN-13: 9780316114271
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