Journey Across the Hidden Islands succeeds by pairing the visceral thrill of riding a flying lion with a relatable story about twins outgrowing their traditional roles. The sisters must use their own intuition to stop a countdown of tremors threatening their home. Books in this family share high stakes quests, legendary creatures, and protagonists who find empowerment by questioning ancestral rules.
Reach for this book when your child is starting to question long-held family traditions or feels the weight of high expectations. It is a perfect choice for siblings who are navigating different roles within the family, as it beautifully explores the bond between twin sisters with very different destinies. This fantasy adventure follows Princesses Seika and Ji-Lin on a ceremonial quest that quickly turns dangerous. As their world's magical protection begins to crumble, the sisters must move beyond the roles society assigned them to save their home. It is a sophisticated but accessible choice for middle grade readers who enjoy high-stakes adventure and themes of sisterly loyalty. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's need to innovate and think for themselves while maintaining deep respect for their family and heritage.
