The Moorchild facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Eloise McGraw |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Margaret K. McElderry Books |
|
Publication date
|
1996 |
| Pages | 241 |
| ISBN | 978-0-689-80654-4 |
The Moorchild is an exciting children's book written by Eloise McGraw in 1996. It tells the story of a special girl who is a changeling. The book uses many ideas from old Irish and European folklore about changelings, leprechauns, and fairies.
Contents
Main Characters in The Moorchild
This section introduces the important people you'll meet in the story.
Who is Saaski?
Moql/Saaski: She is the main character of the story. Saaski is half-fairy and half-human. She grew up with the "moorfolk," who are like elves. But she didn't quite fit in with them. So, she was swapped with a human child. The people in the village think she is strange. Saaski looks different from everyone else. She has brownish skin, light, wild hair, and eyes that change color.
Saaski's Adoptive Parents
Anwara: She is Saaski's adoptive mother. Anwara lives in a small village near the moor. She tries to be kind to Saaski. But as the story goes on, she becomes worried and sad.
Yanno: He is the village blacksmith and Saaski's adoptive father. Yanno is a big man who always smells of iron. He finds Saaski's unusual ways a bit confusing. However, he is gentle with her. He also protects her from other villagers.
Friends and Other Villagers
Tam: He is a lonely orphan boy. Tam looks after goats on the moor. He becomes good friends with Saaski. They even run away together at the end of the book. Tam tells Saaski about "The King's Town." The villagers do not believe this town exists.
Old Bess: She is Anwara's mother. Old Bess is a mysterious old woman. She lives in a hut outside the town. She understands the magical world that Saaski came from. At first, she is careful around Saaski. But they soon become friends and help each other.
Themes in The Moorchild
The book The Moorchild is dedicated "to all children who have ever felt different." This is a very important message in the story.
Feeling Different
Saaski feels like an outsider in her small village. She is different from everyone else. Her human parents also struggle to accept her. They try to love their unusual child. This happens even when others tell them Saaski is not normal. These parts of the story show what it's like to feel different.
Awards and Recognition
The Moorchild has received special honors for its storytelling.
Book Awards
The book was given the Newbery Honor in 1997. This is a very important award for children's books. It also won an Oregon Book Award in 1997.
