About the Author

The debut author Josanne La Valley traveled across the Taklamakan Desert to the Hotan region of China, where she spent time among the Uyghur people. She has her MFA in writing children's books from Vermont College, and currently lives in New York City.

Reviews

"In her debut novel, La Valley paints a memorable picture of this faraway people. . . . A haunting tale of artistic vision triumphing over adversity."
--Kirkus "For many readers, this book may be their first introduction to the Uyghur people, and La Valley strongly evokes the culture and struggles of an ethnic group whose future is less than certain."
--Publishers Weekly "Engages and teaches."
--Booklist "An absorbing read and an excellent choice for expanding global understanding."
--School Library Journal, starred review "The carefully honed plot and palpable family tensions...will resonate with most youngsters."
--Bulletin --