Juvenile Book Review: “West of the Moon” by Margi Preus

“West of the Moon” is a story that is partly a fairy tale and partly about much more modern themes.

It is set in 19th century Norway, and is about a brave young girl, Astri, who challenges death itself in her quest for a better life. It starts with her venal aunt selling her to a devil of a goat herder who lives in a mud hut and demands complete subservience from his fourteen-year-old slave. Astri, however, never gives up the idea of escaping to America with her younger sister and reuniting with their father, who is already there.

Her adventures include climbing mountains, fording freezing streams, conjuring ancient spells from the devils’ s own notebook, and ridding herself of the hideous goat man. Content alert: there is a brief scene when the goat man tries to get into Astri’s bed, but she uses his own knife to successfully rebuff him. Astri is fearless, determined, and a quick study in finding escapes. Preus combines old tales with modern twists to make this book a page turner.

Amulet Books, New York (2014). Reviewed by Lillian Hecker, Children Services Librarian. For ages 10 and up.