Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A thoughtful narrative about the power of familial love takes place amid a suspenseful adventure surrounding a centuries-old curse in this engrossing novel. Adopted tween Zahara-Grace--raised by a doting lawyer mother and an architect/TikTok-dancing-sensation grandfather, G-Pop--yearns to know more about her biological parents. For her 12th birthday, G-Pop gives Zahara-Grace a DNA test kit, which traces the child's ancestry to the fictional African country Maliwanda. Soon after, King Babatunde of Maliwanda barges into Zahara-Grace's life, claiming to be her biological grandfather. Mythology-obsessed Zahara-Grace knows all about the Maliwandan royal family, which is purportedly cursed; what she doesn't know about is the looming threat of a sinister cult with a disturbing interest in Maliwandan princesses. As Zahara-Grace realizes that being a royal isn't all fun and games, she simultaneously contends with feelings of joy in learning about King Babatunde and guilt that she may be jeopardizing her connection with her mother and G-Pop. Zahara-Grace is a clever, compassionate protagonist who navigates difficult revelations with confidence and verve. Layered takes on adoption and familial relationships--gracefully and sensitively rendered by Winston (Shark Teeth)--imbue the book with heart. Ages 8--11. (Jan.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Zahara-Grace is turning twelve, and her birthday wish is to learn about her birth parents. Thankfully, answers come when her adoptive mom gives her a gift and photos from her birth mother, who had asked Mom to promise not to share them with Zahara-Grace until this birthday milestone. Her grandfather also gives her an ancestry test to trace her lineage. Shortly thereafter, a surprise visitor reveals himself as her biological grandfather as well as the king of the (fictional) African country Maliwanda, making her a bona fide princess. While all of this is a blessing, it also comes with a dangerous curse attached -- one that she and her estranged best friend must work tirelessly to overturn. While the fantasy and adventure elements are certain to captivate and entertain readers, the emotional center of the novel lies in Zahara-Grace's journey as an adoptee, navigating the changed dynamics of her family relationships, both old and new. Winston (recently Shark Teeth, rev. 1/24) handles the issues of adoption and familial relationships with care. Although themes of loss permeate the story, the novel is grounded in a loving, supportive community and offers readers a propulsive tale that comes to a satisfying conclusion. monique harrisMarch/April 2026 p.73 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An adoptee from Washington, D.C., makes a birthday wish to know who she is and where she's from--but the truth is beyond her wildest dreams. Zahara-Grace Jones, a Black girl with attention-grabbing blue eyes, lives with her Black adoptive mom and grandfather, G-Pop. On her 12th birthday, G-Pop gives Zahara-Grace a DNA test, and Mom reveals that she's finally allowed to talk about her birth mother, Yala St. Claire, who was killed in an accident along with Zahara-Grace's birth father. Yala also left a letter and gifts for her daughter. Soon another surprise arrives: Zahara-Grace's biological maternal grandfather, King Zumari Babatunde of Maliwanda, has found her through the DNA test and reveals that she's a princess and heir to the throne. An overwhelmed Zahara-Grace gets caught up in her friend Persephone's obsession with a curse stretching back to ancient Egypt that's purported to haunt the women in Zahara-Grace's lineage--one that must be broken before it claims Zahara-Grace's life. The strength and love of Zahara-Grace's family and friends form the center of this novel. The curse storyline is entertaining, but where the novel really shines is in its depiction of the nuances of Zahara-Grace's experience as an adoptee and her journey to coming to terms with her love for both her adoptive and biological families. The depiction of the intensity and complexity of tween friendships is also strong and will resonate with readers. A delightful story that combines creative fantasy elements with rich character development.(Adventure. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
