Marikit and the Ocean of Stars

Gr 3-7–Her name is the Filipino word for pretty, but nearly 10-year-old Marikit feels anything but in her hand-sewn hand-me-downs. She wants nothing more for her birthday than to look like a Diwata (fairy) in a sparkling blue dress. Her mother (Nanay) is the best seamstress in the barrio, but their once happy home is now filled only with the rat-tat-tat-tat-tat of the sewing machine after Marikit’s brother and father are lost at sea while fishing. When her birthday arrives, Marikit is dismayed to receive another recycled dress. When evil shadows arrive, tempting her with a life of power, fancy clothes, and a plethora of food, she is swayed. The dress is a magical map that can guide her through the land of the enchanted creatures known as Engkantos. Once Marikit understands her role as a much sought-after Halfling, she embarks on a perilous journey through worlds that are equal parts beautiful and terrifying. With the aid of a firefly friend, Ali, their treacherous path uncovers hidden dangers and foes posing as friends. The cardinal rule Nanay has given Marikit is to never remove the dress; when she does, the notorious wolflike Aswangs steal it, and their hopes of finding their way without the magical map all but evaporate. Ultimately, Marikit’s story is one of finding what is most important in life, through family and friends, and gratitude over material wealth. Debut author Cruz has created a richly woven Filipino adventure, one in which foods, culture, and religion abound.