Daja's Book

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outcast or is struggling with the pain of being rejected by a group they once belonged to. While set in a magical world, Daja's story is deeply grounded in the emotional reality of navigating cultural identity and finding a new family when your original community turns its back on you. Daja is a Trader who has been declared 'traders-dead,' a social exile, yet she must rediscover her worth through her unique gift for smithing and fire magic. This story is perfect for middle schoolers (ages 10-14) who are beginning to define themselves outside of their family or peer groups. It beautifully explores how our talents can bridge the gap between who we were and who we are becoming. Parents will appreciate the strong emphasis on found family, the dignity of manual craft, and the resilient spirit of a young girl who refuses to let a label define her future.