About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by a 'perfect' sibling or struggles to feel like they fit into the family mold. Set in a world inspired by Slavic folklore, the story follows Olga, a young girl whose family is exiled to a snowy borderland. While her sister Mira has always been the golden child, Olga discovers she has forbidden magical abilities that make her both powerful and an outcast. When Mira is kidnapped by a republic of sentient, magical birds, Olga must overcome her self-doubt and enter a dangerous realm to save her. This is a sophisticated middle-grade fantasy that addresses the heavy weight of expectations and the fear of being truly seen. It celebrates the 'difficult' child, transforming what looks like a lack of social grace into resilience and inner strength. Parents will appreciate the rich, atmospheric world-building and the nuanced exploration of sibling dynamics. It is an excellent choice for 8 to 12-year-olds who enjoy high-stakes adventure mixed with emotional depth.
