This is a wonderfully written novel that is part history (slave), part folklore (African), and told in a way that is not too harsh for middle school readers. Yet, I think that it will help them to ask questions regarding the history of slavery and also give them a reference to the strength that slave families gave each other and carried through many generations.

Bea is a young girl born as a twin but the only one to survive. She has inherited the powers of her grandmother and her mother. The custom had been not to tell the holder of the powers about the gift until they were able to handle it. However, in Bea’s case she starts to feel her independence at the age of 13 and starts taking risks she shouldn’t take.

I will recommend this book to all those students who like historical fiction. ( )