Kingdom of Dust
by Lisa Stringfellow
Intermediate, Middle School    Quill Tree/HarperCollins    224 pp.
8/24    9780063043480    $18.99
e-book ed.  9780063043503    $9.99

In this West African–inspired fantasy, the kingdom of Kun has always flourished under the rule of a child of Oala, the goddess of creation, but now it languishes under the tyranny of King Udo, who seized the throne and brought with him a calamitous drought. The rivers have shriveled, crops have withered, and famine grips the land, leaving the people starving and destitute. Amid this desolation, twelve-year-old Amara and her adoptive mother, Zirachi, struggle to survive. When Udo learns of the crescent-shaped birthmark on Amara’s neck, he sends his soldiers to capture her, believing she holds the power to challenge his rule. With the help of both old allies and newfound friends, Amara escapes and embarks on a quest that may lead her to the truth of her identity, the downfall of Udo, and the salvation of her kingdom. This is a fast-paced and suspenseful adventure story with rich world-building and a compelling narrative. While the fantastical journey is at the heart of the story, the book also emphasizes the emotional and psychological growth of its resilient young protagonist, making it a layered and engaging tale.

From the ">November/December 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.