About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked or weighed down by responsibilities and needs to believe that their kindness is a superpower, not a weakness. While it functions as a magical Cinderella retelling, it focuses deeply on a young girl's agency and her choice to help others even when she has nothing herself. It is perfect for children navigating complex family dynamics or those who dream of finding a place where they truly belong. Alliana works tirelessly for her cold stepmother at an inn near a dangerous abyss, but her life changes when she saves a young dragon and befriends a girl trying to become a witch. Through these friendships, she learns that her heritage and her heart are keys to a future she never thought possible. The story is gentle enough for sensitive readers while providing a rich, high-fantasy experience rooted in Japanese-inspired folklore. It is an empowering choice for ages 8 to 12 that celebrates resilience and found family.
