Kirra, a curious, agile, and outgoing girl, lives in an idyllic community hidden inside a dormant volcano. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture beyond its walls. Kirra is in training to become a Storyteller like him, and together they travel from village to village spreading fearsome tales designed to keep outsiders away from their secret nest.
One day, after hearing rumors of strangers called the "Takers," Kirra leaves the volcano by herself, hoping to discover her own story. But she unknowingly leads the Takers back to her doorstep, and they rob her of everything she has ever held dear.
A devastated Kirra is found by a boy named Luwan and adopted into his family, which lives among others high in the trees of a dense forest. Now quiet and withdrawn, Kirra hides her dark past from everyone and never wants to leave the safety of her tree dwelling. Luwan, on the other hand, loves to explore.
One day it leads to trouble: He is captured while spying on a group of strangers. The Takers have returned.
To save the Tree Folk, Kirra must face her inner demons and summon all her storytelling to weave the most important tale of her life.
This compelling novel about overcoming loss, embracing community, and living in harmony with nature is highlighted with a full-color insert of concept artwork, making it perfect for family sharing.---from the publishers
304 pages 978-1484778715 Ages 8-12
Keywords: environment, fantasy, magic, community, loss, nature, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old, environmental stewardship, betrayal, acceptance, family, trust, perseverance, bravery, storytelling
Editor's Note: Yes, it's that Dave Matthews.
David John "Dave" Matthews is a South African-born American singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, best known as the leader of the Dave Matthews Band, founded in 1991. During 2000-2010, his band sold more tickets than any other act in North America. They are the only group to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at no. 1 on the Billboard charts. Outside of his Grammy Award-winning music career, Dave has had multiple acting roles, including a part in the film Because of Winn-Dixie. He uses his celebrity to support humanitarian and environmentalist causes. When he's not touring, he divides his time between Seattle and Virginia. He is married and the father of three children.--from the publisher
