About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the burden of high expectations or feels like their unique traits are being misunderstood by authority figures. It is an ideal choice for the child who is intensely observant and struggles with the pressure to fit into a mold that does not suit their true self. The story follows Only Fallow, a young girl with the magical ability to literally see lies as smoke, who is plucked from her rural life to serve a King. As she navigates a court filled with deception, the book explores profound themes of integrity, the isolation of being different, and the courage required to stand by one's values when everyone else is compromising theirs. While written for middle-grade readers, its nuanced look at political maneuvering and social pressure makes it a sophisticated read for children developing their own moral compass. It ultimately provides a powerful model for how honesty can be both a burden and a transformative strength.
