Additional information
by Arti Balan (Author), Jon Wallis (Illustrator)
Middle Grade Fantasy Ages 8-12 Approx. 50,000 words
This richly layered middle-grade fantasy adventure (approx. 50,000 words) blends immersive myth-inspired storytelling with timely contemporary themes. It combines high-stakes fantasy with emotional realism making it ideal for independent readers, school libraries, and classroom discussion.
At its core, this is a story about identity, belonging, environmental responsibility, resilience, and friendship after loneliness.
Akila has never quite felt like she fits. She is mixed-race, overweight, frequently bullied, and deeply self-conscious, navigating social exclusion, body image pressures, and loneliness. She dislikes the outdoors and avoids attention, preferring spaces where she feels unseen.
When a devastating storm forces her family to leave the city and relocate to a remote village on the edge of an ancient rainforest, everything familiar is stripped away. The forest feels overwhelming - dense, humid, unpredictable.
But it is not merely a setting.
It is alive.
An encounter with a powerful mythical guardian reveals that Akila shares an ancestral connection to the forest - and this connection reshapes her identity, to one that embraces authenticity and inner strength.
Environmental themes are woven organically into the plot. The rainforest faces threat from ecological imbalance and human encroachment. Rather than presenting overt instruction, the story embeds sustainability within its conflict, inviting readers to connect emotionally with what is at risk - and to see themselves as capable of responsibility.
The fantasy elements are immersive yet accessible. Mythical guardians, ancient forces, and a sentient forest provide depth without overwhelming younger readers. The magic system is rooted in connection and balance rather than technical complexity, aligning strongly with upper middle-grade engagement.
For librarians and booksellers, this title offers:
- A diverse, emotionally grounded fantasy protagonist
- Clear links to PSHE and environmental curriculum themes
- Strong discussion potential for identity and belonging
- Balanced pacing with depth and accessibility
- A resonant story for readers navigating confidence and change
At approximately 50,000 words, the novel sits comfortably within upper middle-grade expectations, delivering rich character development, immersive world-building, and meaningful thematic exploration.
Ultimately, this is a myth-infused, emotionally intelligent fantasy that speaks directly to the challenges and hopes of today's young readers - reminding them that difference can be strength, courage can grow quietly, and even those who feel invisible can shape the fate of something far greater than themselves.
