4 stars! Absolutely loved this book! The main character is mischievous in all the right ways and struggles finding her moral compass. Loved the vibrant characters and the setting. Would highly recommend for late elementary and early middle school readers! Couldn't wait to own a physical copy!

The island land of Serendib is ruled by an unjust king—one who puts his greed above the needs of his people. A girl named Chaya has taken it upon herself to help her friends and neighbors, even if it requires thievery to do so. One day, Chaya steals a handful of jewels from the Queen’s bedchamber to pay for much-needed medical care for a boy in her village. Instead of a clean getaway, though, Chaya is seen, and the wrath of the King descends upon her people. After her friend Neel is incorrectly blamed for her actions, Chaya must rescue him and clear his name. Before long, Chaya and her friends Neel and Nour find themselves on an adventure that leads to much more than their own freedom.

Chaya’s world comes to life in descriptions of frangipani flowers, papayas, and plantains in a land where monkeys and elephants are commonplace. Foods and experiences of the island of Serendib, a fictionalized representation of the author’s home of Sri Lanka, are expertly woven into the narrative. These elements may inspire further research if they are otherwise unfamiliar to the reader.

Short chapters and an action-packed plot keep readers on their toes, encouraging the refrain of “one more chapter” while the story progresses. Direct storytelling and ample amounts of dialogue make this book accessible to newer middle-grade readers.

Differences in belief and background among the characters become increasingly less important as their friendship grows. Teamwork and the compelling need to do right by others is a pervasive theme of this book, transcending setting or upbringing. A powerful story of independence with a strong female protagonist, this is a delightful and entertaining book to be read independently or aloud.

I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down! The pacing is excellent, the plot is enthralling, and the characters leap off the page and into your heart. Chaya is a fantastic heroine with a wonderful voice. I loved her thieving exploits, and I enjoyed getting to watch her grow as a person as she makes new friends and comes to new conclusions about the world. The friendships are extremely strong, and it was so fun to experience and learn about Sri Lanka through the eyes of this young girl. I definitely recommend diving into this adventurous middle-grade novel!

Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy. What a thrilling adventure! The combination of strong heroic women and adventure set in India is a wonderful tale. I appreciate that this novel was clean, without expletives, violence, or intimacy. This was an easy read without a lot of foreign language words. The adventure twists wouldn't let me put this book down. While the main character is female, this book would appeal to boys as well. The added Muslim character, their interaction, and friendship was a nice touch. The basic premise of a fair ruler, poverty, and citizen's well-being is a universal theme, and I can't wait to purchase this edition for my school library.

A delightful, cinematic story that reads like a Disney movie set in the jungles of Sri Lanka. Recommended for middle grade and adults alike.