Description

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For fans of I Am Malala comes this poignant novel based on the true story of one girl's unforgettable journey to self-discovery.

*An ALA Amelia Bloomer Selection*
*An ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book*

Born in an Andean village in Ecuador, Virginia lives with her family in a small, earthen-walled dwelling. In her Indigenous community, it is not uncommon to work in the fields all day, even as a child, or to be called a longa tonta—stupid Indian—by members of the privileged class of mestizos, or Spanish descendants. When seven-year-old Virginia is taken from her home to be a servant to a mestizo couple, she has no idea what the future holds.

In this poignant novel based on her own story, the inspiring María Virginia Farinango has collaborated with acclaimed author Laura Resau to recount one girl's unforgettable journey to find her place in the world. It will make you laugh and cry, and ultimately, it will fill you with hope.

About the Author

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María Virginia Farinango was born in an Indigenous Quichua community near Otavalo, Ecuador. Over the years, she has owned an Andean crafts business, had her own radio show, and run a day spa. She is now a clinical psychologist, helping children and teens overcome trauma. She lives in Otavalo with her musician husband, teenage son, and young daughter. For more about María Virginia, please visit LauraResau.com/virginia.

Laura Resau lived in the Mixtec region of Oaxaca, Mexico, for two years as an English teacher and anthropologist. She now lives with her husband, her dog, and her son Bran in Colorado, where she teaches cultural anthropology and ESL (English as a Second Language). She is also the author of What the Moon Saw and Red Glass.

Praise For…

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"A moving, lyrical novel that will particularly resonate with teens caught between cultures."--Booklist, starred review

"The authors' candid narrative richly depicts Virginia's passage from a childhood filled with demoralization to a young woman who sees her life through new eyes."--PW, starred review

"This is a poignant coming-of-age novel that will expose readers to the exploitation of girls around the world whose families grow up in poverty."--SLJ, starred review