M.F.K.

Gr 7 Up—The far-flung, sandy townlet of Little Marigold is plagued by bandits. But these are no ordinary thieves—they are "parasai." These revered sorcerers use their power not to protect people, as is their duty, but to steal from impoverished citizens, away from the close watch of the Confederacy. The drudgery of life in Little Marigold is getting to Jaime. He spends every day in the desert collecting sand with his grandfather. But one day, an injured girl washes up in a sandstorm, wearing strange clothes, carrying a mysterious container, and refusing help. Despite her protests, Jaime takes her to his doctor aunt, who tends to the girl and repairs her hearing aid. Readers soon learn that the girl is named Abbie, though she is hesitant to share much else about herself. Jaime is thrilled to have a new friend, even if Abbie's reticence leaves him wondering where she is from and what she is carrying. As Abbie heals and acclimates to life in Little Marigold, she is forced to confront not only the powerful bandits but also truths about herself and her painful past she had hoped to keep hidden. Many questions go unanswered, most notably the meaning of the title. The book focuses on the intricacies of this desert world, and the ending promises grander adventures to come. The illustrations are bright and cinematic, particularly in the rousing action sequences. The mild violence and language make this title more appropriate for mature readers.