The Prophet Calls

"Riveting and intriguing, The Prophet Calls is an unforgettable coming-of-age story." - Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

"Readers will love Gentry Forrester--a brave girl who questions the world around her and finds her own answers. A fantastic debut by Melanie Sumrow." - Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medal Winner

"Sumrow crafts a captivating and memorable story with a protagonist who ultimately makes a harrowing, courageous decision." - Booklist

"While this setting may be unfamiliar to many readers, young people will relate to adolescents' natural yearnings to exert independence and their need to question adults' wisdom and authority in all matters." - School Library Journal

"Gentry is a protagonist you can't help but cheer for, and her journey from fear to doubt to empowerment is powerful, affecting and not to be missed." - BookPage

Gentry Forrester feels lucky to live among God's chosen people in the Prophet's compound, but when music is outlawed, Gentry and her older brother, Tanner, sneak out of the community. When they return, all bets are off as the Prophet exercises his control.

Born into a polygamous community in the foothills of New Mexico, Gentry Forrester feels lucky to live among God's chosen, apart from the outside world and its "evils."

On her thirteenth birthday, Gentry receives a new violin from her father and, more than anything, she wants to play at the Santa Fe Music Festival with her brother, Tanner. But then the Prophet calls from prison and announces he has outlawed music in their community and now forbids women to leave.

Determined to play, Gentry and Tanner sneak out. But once they return, the Prophet exercises control from prison, and it has devastating consequences for Gentry and her family. Soon, everything Gentry has known is turned upside down. She begins to question the Prophet's teachings and his revelations, especially when his latest orders put Gentry's family in danger. Can Gentry find a way to protect herself and her family from the Prophet and escape the only life she's ever known?

This realistic, powerful story of family, bravery, and following your dreams is a can't-miss debut novel from Melanie Sumrow.

Melanie Sumrow received her undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and has maintained a long-term interest in studying social issues. Before becoming a writer, she worked as a lawyer for more than 16 years, with many of her cases involving children and teens. Learn more about her at melaniesumrow.com.