“An engaging fantasy inspired by a classic tale that’s guaranteed to leave readers eager for more.” —Kirkus
Sahara is bringing an important part of home with her this Summer – her best friend, Vicky, along with the feeling that she’ll have to go up against El Ghoula and her powerful wind again. With Vicky by her side, Sahara navigates the emerging cracks in their friendship while protecting Ali Baba’s magic lamp and mastering her magical abilities before the summer equinox when El Ghoula is set to strike again.
Jumping from fast-paced New York to lively Cairo, Sahara looks to women in her past and present for guidance, including Princess Husnaya, a powerful sorceress in 965 CE along with powerful genies in her quest to keep El Ghoula away in CHILDREN OF THE WIND.
“This terrific two-pronged adventure [brings] together modern life and classic tales of Ali Baba, with some gratifying twists. . .
A memorable adventure that’s as exciting as it is insightful.” —Booklist
Inspired by her own experiences visiting extended family in Cairo, Lewers explores the rich tapestry of cultural identity and the challenges faced by those in between two worlds to offer relevant perspectives. Muslim girls and women are also at the heart of CHILDREN OF THE WIND. Sahara’s cousins, aunts, and grandma play significant roles as guardians of Ali Baba’s treasure, and Princess Husnaya, the daughter of the khalifa, becomes a powerful figure in the Muslim world.
CHILDREN OF THE WIND combines a fantasy premise with lyrical writing, making it a must-read for fans of Kelly Barnhill, Tae Keller, and Grace Lin. Nedda Lewers weaves a propulsive plot with stirring and beautiful prose, creating a powerful story that is engaging and full of heart and hijinks
“Witty, wondrous, and a mesmerizing glimpse into the magic that’s always hidden in the mundane.” —M.T. Khan, author of Nura and the Immortal Palace