Books

“Lin (When the Mountain Meets the Moon) combines ancient and contemporary Chinese lore in this visually stunning tale about a girl, a lion cub, and a worm who must retrieve a lost sacred object to reconnect the mortal and spirit worlds. Jin is a Gongshi, a Stone Lion guardian charged with watching over humans and protecting the Sacred Sphere, which powers the gate between realms. Bored of these duties, Jin prefers to perfect his athletic abilities instead. But when a rogue kick knocks the Sacred Sphere through the portal, he gives chase, trapping himself in the human world. Stuck in diminutive lion cub form, Jin allies with mortal tween Lulu, who can hear a mysterious voice, and a mustachioed worm claiming to be a dragon. Together, they must return the sphere to the gate. Unknown to them, however, they’re up against a shadowy specter’s own agenda. Vibrantly colorful full-page gouache pieces depict ethereal happenings, and foreshadowing chapter openers feature key objects or places. Skillfully woven adventure injects excitement into the trio’s expansive journey, during which they learn lessons on love, duty, growing up, and the meaning of home.”—Publishers’ Weekly ★ STARRED REVIEW ★

In the spirit world, the Sacred Sphere rests on a pedestal in the Stone Lion’s house, the key to keeping the gate open between the spirit and human worlds. Jin, the lion cub, has no interest in guarding the Sphere or keeping watch over the humans; those tasks are nowhere near as fun as kicking the zuqiu ball with his friends. But when a sulking Jin knocks the Sphere over, he sends it into the human world and severs its connection with the gate. Now, Jin is stuck. He befriends Lulu, a girl who can hear a strange voice, and a worm claiming to be a dragon. The three of them must reclaim the Sphere, or the connection will be lost forever. This book weaves Chinese lore with the modern world, connecting characters and events in a way that demonstrates Lin’s prowess as a storyteller. Readers will rapidly turn pages, wanting to know what the Sculptor is up to or if there really is a woman trapped inside the bell. The story pushes deeper, too, exploring themes of loss, change, and greed, most notably what the desperation of grief can push someone to do. The unique cast of characters—a stone lion, a worm who might be a dragon, and many more—come to life as vividly as the spirit world, staying with readers long after the story ends. VERDICT This fantastical tale of stone spirits, dragons, and humans is an enchanting must-have for any school library.—School Library Journal ★ STARRED REVIEW ★

“I just this moment finished the book and I love it! Love it! I raced through it — the story just whirled me along.”—Jeanne Birdsall, author of the Penderwicks

“I adore all of Grace’s books; she is a magical storyteller who always writes beautifully real, lovable characters, whether they’re humans, stone spirits, lion cubs, or dragons. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon is a thoughtfully woven wonder about mistakes and choices and family – including a terrific, very surprising dragon story! – that readers of all ages will love!” —Tui Sutherland, author of Wings of Fire

“Magical storytelling at its best! Grace Lin’s characters and modern day setting bring the reader along for an exciting ride.” —Becky Steenburg, Youth Services Librarian

“High on my list of read-aloud magic is sharing a story that delights both the reader and the listener, where the engagement of one feeds on the other to create something more. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon was just such a book for my nine-year-old and me. Grace Lin masterfully builds momentum as she weaves the story’s threads together in the most satisfying way. I confess that much as I enjoy the shared reading experience, I still found myself unable to stop turning the pages after my daughter fell asleep on the second to last night. We’ll just keep that between us. ” —Elaine Almon, mother of readers

“It’s been awhile since we’ve had new middle grade fiction from Grace Lin, and it was worth the wait! This blend of fanciful invented legend and original story has something for every reader: mystery, action, emotion…and dragons! I can’t wait to read it again in published form with Lin’s jewel-like illustrations.” — Lori Faust, Children’s Librarian

“The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon is like a mug of hot tea on a snowy day. It warms your soul and sparks the imagination. The characters are memorable and Grace Lin’s lyrical storytelling and gorgeous illustrations are sure to make this an instant beloved classic for families and classrooms everywhere.” —Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor podcast host, speaker, STEAM educator

“Grace Lin’s new novel, The Gate, The Girl, and the Dragon mixes the modern and mythical together in a story that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The author’s descriptive words paint a picture in your mind full of color and imagery. Don’t miss another great read from Grace Lin!” —Teresa Walker, parent and educator

 “Young Jin the lion cub would rather spend his time playing sports, but his serious dad insists on family duty. When the Sacred Sphere their family is bound to protect rolls beyond their realm and through the Old City Gate, Jin finds himself in the human world in an urgent quest to locate the sphere. Jin must learn to trust himself, a young girl, and a tiny worm while learning from the wisdom of folktales woven into the book if he wants to see his family again. Newbery Honoree Grace Lin spins her first novel-length tale in fifteen years, sure to captivate young readers with a story that begs to be read aloud and savored.” –Branch Manager, Queen Anne’s County Library (MD), Kent Island Branch

“Readers familiar with Grace Lin’s “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” trilogy know just what a treat they are in for with her new novel, “The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon.” But it is readers who are new to Grace Lin novels I envy. While devoted readers await the publication with all the anticipation of a kid (or a teacher) the week before summer vacation, new readers are about to lose themselves in the wonder, the joy, the excitement of falling into a magical world they never even imagined. A world that is both ancient and modern, where mythology comes to life, and where a young lion cub, a girl, and a worm have a very big adventure. Full of Lin’s signature lyrical prose, “The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon” brings Chinese mythology and folktales to life in a thoroughly 21st century way. Lin weaves a large cast of colorful characters into a single tapestry seamlessly. These characters will stay with you long after you finish the book. One warning, though, when kids beg for just one more chapter, parents won’t be able to say no.”
— educator Annika Abel