Lalani of the Distant Sea

Lalani's village at the base of Mount Kahna is suffering through a drought.  There is very little water to drink, the crops are dying, and various mysterious diseases infect the people.  Lalani can escape when she listens to tales of adventure, daring, and sometimes even sadness.  She loves the stories.

Legend tells of an island to the north, Isa, that is the opposite of Mount Kahna.  On Lalani's island, there is suffering, but Isa is the land of plenty.  Every generation, the strongest men set sail in search of Isa.  Many years ago, Lalani's father was one of those men.  No one has ever returned.

After she encounters a strange man with magical powers, a terrible mudslide destroys Lalani's village.  She feels responsible and in an effort to escape, she steals a boat and tries to find Isa on her own.

But how can one girl succeed where so many strong men have failed?  Lalani holds fast to hope and to the old stories she loves so much.  Her favorite is the story of Ziva, who was despised and outcast because of a birthmark on her face.  Ziva was brave; she tried to escape.   Lalani will try, too, but she must face terrible creatures, ghosts, and even her own mind to find Isa, the land of plenty.

I love Erin Entrada Kelly's book so much.  I felt like I was sitting around the fire on an island far away listening to this tale of courage, strength, and love.  I will add that I read this on my Kindle, and some of the illustrations didn't make sense until I saw the paper copy.  Highly recommended, but read it in print for the full impact!