About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the heavy responsibilities of family loyalty or processing the loss of a primary caregiver. It is a profound choice for children who feel they must grow up too quickly or who are struggling with the pressure of a difficult promise. Set in a vibrant fishing village in Senegal, the story follows eleven year old Mor and his younger sisters as they fight to stay together after their father's death. While the book addresses serious themes of grief, financial hardship, and predatory adults, it is ultimately a story of resilience and the strength found in sibling bonds. It explores the difficult choice between doing what is easy and doing what is right. This novel is appropriate for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are ready for a realistic, emotionally resonant look at global life and the universal power of love and integrity.
