About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels that a physical difference or social status defines their worth. It is a powerful choice for middle schoolers grappling with self-esteem or the feeling that they are invisible in a world of more powerful people. Set in ancient Persia, the story follows Marjan, a girl with a crippled foot and a gift for storytelling, who must navigate the dangerous world of the Sultan's harem to save the legendary Shahrazad. The book explores deep themes of resilience, the transformative power of narrative, and the courage required to speak truth to power. While it contains some mature historical contexts regarding the Sultan's treatment of women, it is handled with grace and focus on female agency. It is an excellent pick for fostering empathy and showing how a quiet voice can change the course of history through creativity and persistence.
