KINGDOM OF DUST

A girl is forced out of her home and into the unknown as she tries to save the kingdom of Kun in this West Africa–inspired fantasy.

Twelve-year-old Amara has always felt different—cursed, even. Left as an infant on her mother Zirachi’s doorstep, she only knows her simple farm life in Danel, her village. Sadly, all the land is drying up as the Zare desert expands, spreading famine. Despite their meager crops, Amara, who has a crescent-shaped birthmark on her neck, readies herself for the New Yam Festival, hoping that the creation goddess, Oala, will end the drought. According to Zirachi, Kun used to be filled with lush abundance, and the griots could perform magic to ensure its bounty. No one has seen or heard of the griots in years, however, and none can remember their stories. As Zirachi and Amara return from the festival, the Nkume, or king’s guard, attack them and try to abduct Amara. Forced to flee, Amara searches for the griots, hoping they’ll be able to help her bring Kun back to its glory and unravel the mystery surrounding her birth. The plot revs up quickly, keeping the pages turning. Amara’s journey from village girl to defender of her kingdom is wonderful to follow. Each obstacle she faces adds another layer to her self-realization. It’s difficult to be different and even harder to be brave, but this book is easy to enjoy.

A delightful fable.