Walter Award-winning and National Book Award-longlisted Sherri Winston (Shark Teeth; Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution) enters the middle-grade fantasy space with the irresistible and enchanting Destiny of the Diamond Princess.
Twelve-year-old Zahara-Grace Jones has, until the past year, felt content with her devoted adoptive family: a loving mom and charismatic grandfather. She's always been pleased with how much she and her mom look alike, though Zahara-Grace's blue eyes sometimes make her self-conscious ("when you're a Black girl with big blue eyes, people notice"). Recently, however, Zahara-Grace has "felt like a piece of me is missing." When she completes a DNA test her grandfather gives her for her birthday, the utterly unexpected occurs: Zumari Babatunde, king of the small African nation of Maliwanda, bursts into her dressage competition and announces (over the microphone) that Zahara-Grace is his granddaughter. Overnight, Zahara-Grace is thrown into the national spotlight and expected to take on the role of princess. To complicate matters further, Zahara-Grace learns there is an ancient curse connected to her recently discovered legacy--and she may be the only one who can break it.
In this outstanding adventure Winston delves into African history and myth while developing a contemporary protagonist with very understandable excitements and concerns. Winston carefully explores the nuances of adoption, belonging, and heritage as the reader watches Zahara-Grace juggle accepting love from and for both her families as well as her friendships. Destiny of the Diamond Princess is a great read to hand to young Black Panther fans. --Natasha Harris, freelance reviewer, freelance reviewer