About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to fit into traditional gender roles or feels that their unique talents are being stifled by social expectations. It is a powerful choice for a young person who needs to see that personal integrity and creative passion are worth defending, even when the world demands conformity. Set in the breathtaking but brutal Aztec Empire, the story follows Itacate, a girl who defies the law to practice the forbidden art of goldsmithing. The narrative explores deep emotional themes of self-confidence, the weight of secrets, and the courage to follow one's heart during times of massive cultural upheaval. While the historical setting includes the harsh realities of Aztec sacrifice and the Spanish conquest, it serves as a profound backdrop for a girl's journey toward independence. Parents will appreciate how the book handles the complexity of identity and the difficult choices one must make when their personal values clash with their heritage and their heart.
