Fascinating story, based mostly on historical figures (though Tiyya is fictional) set in the grand high age of 14th century Mali. I have had no previous exposure to Mali history, so this was a great introduction for me. A captivating story line, full of folklore and mystery, with elements of sorcery and lots of intrigue. Highly recommended especially for its depiction of a seldom-seen element of African history.

I love me a historical fiction. This one was a great read for me. This one is very much middle grade. It is a great understanding for a child. I read it with my little cousin and she was amazed. We both loved the FMC and how she overcame.

Best historical fiction that I've read recently! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was nice to have a book set in a time and place of history that I'm not familiar with. It made me delve into Mali at that time and read more about the history of the area.

Tiyya is a young girl who is sent to live with her aunt while her mother goes to sea with her father. Her father was King of Mali and he has appointed someone else to rule in his absence. However, many people want the throne and she uncovers a plot to overthrow Mansa Musa, who was appointed by her father. Along with the help of a deaf girl and a griot (oral storyteller), they try to help save Mansa Musa.

The storyline was brilliant. Each character was unique and I loved that Tiyya never acted like she was above anyone else. The plot was a bit predictable, but I think if I were a middle schooler, I would not have guessed quite as easily. This is a great book for middle school and even for the upper elementary age. I also appreciated that the author shared about the Timbuktu Manuscripts (something I had never heard about) in her notes at the end. It was fun to explore after reading this story as well.

This is a story of unexpected friendships, court intrigues, and a rather unusual princess, set in 14th century Mali. When Tiyya's father, the King, heads off on a sea voyage - taking her mother with him - she is left behind.

And when she discovers a conspiracy against the man her father has appointed as his regent, Tiyya finds herself even more vulnerable. What can she do, on her own, to foil the plot? Luckily, she isn't on her own - even if her allies are somewhat unusual...

This is a well rendered historical tale that provides inside into different culture in the form of an engaging adventure story.

This middle grades read was a fantastic jaunt, and one I would love to add to my classroom library. I don't run into a lot of middle ages fantasy set in Africa, which is a real shame because there is a rich history to base stories in, though I admit that I don't know a lot of it personally. I would like to learn though, and I am sure many of my students would as well. This book is a great way to give a taste of that without being overwhelming to those who don't have a background in the lore and history of the area. The setting is rich with details that occupy the senses and detail the culture of the story, which is a joy to read.

Tiyya has ambitions and pride, which she has to learn to temper into something that can benefit her. I love the fact that these traits aren't dismissed as negative, even when she shows them in negative ways. Instead, she has to learn what is and is not an appropriate and "good" way to display those parts of herself, which is a lesson that many middle grades students also need. Neither ambition or pride are faults of their own rights, but they can manifest in ways that are harmful, and that is what we have to watch out for. Tiyya has to learn that as she makes friends with people of different social classes - and as she learns to navigate the world of adults at Mansa Musa's court.

The only character I felt got less than they deserved was Rohi. She has an important part to play in the story, both as a friend to Tiyya and as a character in her own right, but we don't learn as much about her struggles and goals as other characters. Tiyya and Kaleyani are both well developed with goals, struggles, and growth, Rohi does not feel like she has had equal opportunity. Similarly, the villian of the story is not fully fleshed out, but in a middle grades novel that really is a tale of good versus evil, I feel that is more acceptable, since they are a kind of stand in for evil and ambition taken too far.

All in all, this is very much a middle grades book. It has the straightforward plotline that goes with that age bracket. But it does not feel "simplified" or "dumbed down" in a way to make readers feel like they are being talked down to. It is story with a rich setting and just enough plot detail to keep you interested, telling the story of characters you can root for - a wonderful addition to a middle grades reader's bookshelf.