About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager feels restricted by social expectations or is struggling to find their voice in a world that demands they be quiet and polite. It is a perfect choice for girls who feel they must 'shrink' themselves to fit in and are ready to explore themes of female agency, bodily autonomy, and the courage to be 'difficult' if it means being true to oneself. Set in a lush world inspired by Japanese folklore, the story follows Miuko, an ordinary girl who is cursed and begins turning into a demon. As she hunts for a cure, she realizes that the 'monstrous' power she is gaining offers a freedom she never had as a human girl. While the book contains fantasy violence and some dark mythological themes, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the transition from childhood obedience to adult independence. Parents will appreciate how it challenges the idea that being 'good' is the same as being silent.
