Girl of the Southern Sea (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781772780819)

From Governor General's Literary Award finalist Michelle Kadarusman, an empowering novel about a girl from the slums of Jakarta who dreams of an education and the chance at a better life

From the time she was a little girl, Nia has dreamed up adventures about the Javanese mythical princess, Dewi Kadita. Now fourteen, Nia would love nothing more than to continue her education and become a writer. But high school costs too much. Her father sells banana fritters at the train station, but too much of his earnings go toward his drinking habit. Too often Nia is left alone to take over the food cart as well as care for her brother and their home in the Jakarta slums.

But Nia is determined to find a way to earn her school fees. After she survives a minibus accident unharmed and the locals say she is blessed with 'good luck magic, ' Nia exploits the notion for all its worth by charging double for her fried bananas. Selling superstitions can be dangerous, and when the tide turns it becomes clear that Nia's future is being mapped without her consent.

If Nia is to write a new story for herself, she must overcome more obstacles than she could ever have conceived of for her mythical princess, and summon courage she isn't sure she has.

A portion of the proceeds from this #ownvoices story are in support of Plan International Canada Because I Am A Girl

Author: Michelle Kadarusman
ISBN-10: 1772780812
ISBN-13: 9781772780819
Publisher: Pajama Press
Language: English
Published: 05/02/2019
Pages: 224
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.80w x 0.70d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 502017 / Girl of the Southern Sea


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 04/15/2019 pg. 68
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2019
School Library Journal 04/01/2019 pg. 71
Foreword 04/26/2019
Shelf Awareness 06/14/2019
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Recommended, Satisfactory