About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager feels like an outsider or is struggling to reconcile their cultural identity with the world around them. Maria Blanca is a young girl living in Philadelphia who feels disconnected from her surroundings and burdened by financial hardship. When she is suddenly transported to the magical realm of Faery, she discovers that her sense of not belonging was rooted in a literal hidden heritage: she is part elven. This story serves as a powerful metaphor for the adolescent search for self. As Maria navigates a dangerous magical war, she must trade her self-doubt for inner strength. While the setting is fantastical, the emotional core deals with very real themes of cultural pride and the courage to claim one's place in the world. It is an excellent choice for 12 to 16 year olds who enjoy high stakes adventure but need a story that validates their personal feelings of being different.
