Kingdom of Dust

Author of A Comb of Wishes Lisa Stringfellow returns with a West African–inspired fantasy about a girl who is determined to return both magic and justice to her people—and whose destiny holds more surprises than she could ever imagine.

“A fascinating fairy tale of memory, the power of storytelling, and magic! Lisa Stringfellow has crafted a fantastic story of a young girl seeking to save her kingdom from the usurper that would destroy it. This coming-of-age story of self-discovery is a gift to young readers, who will see themselves mirrored in a heroine worth rooting for!” —P. Djèlí Clark, author of Abeni's Song

“Storytelling has the ability to shape who we are and how we navigate the world. Nowhere is that more true than in Kingdom of Dust, where Lisa Stringfellow has crafted a heartfelt tale full of adventure, community, mystery, and magic. This story is one that all young readers will be absolutely delighted to discover!” —New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron

"Such a cool, different, princess-in-a-tower story; I loved the world Lisa built and the determined young heroine who has to save it." —Tui Sutherland, author of the New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series

Though the land of Kun used to be lush and green, Amara has only ever known her homeland as a dry, dusty desert. When the griots vanished more than a decade ago, they took their magic with them, along with goddess Oala’s gifts of rain and plenty, leaving Kun controlled by a powerful and uncaring king. And though her foster mother, Zirachi, assures her that Kun is not under a curse, Amara can’t help but wonder if her own origin, which is shrouded in mystery, is somehow linked to the broken kingdom.

When Amara and Zirachi are attacked by the Nkume, the fearsome king’s guard, Amara must flee, leaving all that she has known behind. With nowhere to go but knowing that she is under Oala’s protection, Amara sets off to do the impossible: find the griots and save Kun before the kingdom blows away like dust.

Lisa Stringfellow is the author of A Comb of Wishes, which Newbery Award-winning author Kelly Barnhill called "one of the most promising works of fiction in a long time." Lisa writes for her twelve-year-old self, the kid waiting to be the brown-skinned hero of an adventure, off saving the world. Lisa's work often reflects her West Indian and Black southern heritage. She is a middle school teacher and lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her children and bossy cat.