Destiny of the Diamond Princess - Sherri Winston

The Princess Diaries meets From the Desk of Zoey Washington in this story about a girl who is reconnected with her birth family, only to discover that she is an African princess and the key to unlocking an ancient curse.

For her twelfth birthday, the only thing Zahara-Grace wants is to figure out who she is. She knows she has the best mom and grandpa around, she knows she loves her friends, and she knows she likes to make a difference in her community. But she also knows she's adopted, and she wants to learn more about that side of herself. Zahara-Grace is thrilled when her mom let's her take a DNA test, but she never could have imagined that her biological grandfather would find her. And she definitely never imagined he'd be the king of a small African country!

Now torn between two worlds, Zahara-Grace is even less sure of who she is. Her worlds collide when a mummy exhibit opens at the local museum, showcasing the history and legends of her biological family's country-including an ancient cult who believes with the help of a living heir, they can awaken the mummified remains of a powerful king and conquer the world. Learning she's a princess may have turned Zahara-Grace's life upside down, but now her life is in actual danger. And in order to survive, she must find a way to embrace both sides of herself.

Sherri Winston is the author of National Book Award longlist title Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution, Kirkus Prize Finalist Shark Teeth, President of the Whole Fifth Grade, President of the Whole Sixth Grade, The Sweetest Sound, Jada Sly: Artist & Spy, and The Kayla Chronicles. Before Sherri was an author, she was a longtime newspaper writer and columnist. She grew up in Michigan and now lives in North Carolina.

www.sherriwinston.com
Instagram: @iamsherriwinston

“Mummies, curses, friends, and family make for an exciting tale that middle-grade readers won't want to put down.” —Booklist

“A delightful story that combines creative fantasy elements with rich character development.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A thoughtful narrative about the power of familial love . . . . Engrossing.” —Publishers Weekly

“[A] story of ancient history, family dynamics, and a middle grader's struggle to define herself. . . . Readers will happily spend more time with Zahara-Grace's friends and family as they figure out their new roles and joyfully celebrate one another.” —BCCB

“Lotus is a unique and deeply realized character…and the themes of inequality and racism in schools resonate. A first purchase for public and school libraries, and an excellent choice for book clubs.” —School Library Journal, starred review for LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTION

“Through the eyes of a sprightly, determined student, Winston delivers a powerful message about anti-Blackness, bullying, and institutionalized prejudice.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review for LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTION

“Driven by an intelligent and complex protagonist, this courageous story about strength in the face of neglect, and the bravery to demand what is best of one's family and oneself, is potent and powerful.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review for SHARK TEETH

“A powerful, ultimately uplifting portrait of breaking a toxic cycle and embracing a better future.” —Booklist, starred review for SHARK TEETH

“An outstanding depiction of the impact that family stressors can have on a household's youngest members.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review for SHARK TEETH

“[A] powerful story that paints a realistic and heartbreaking picture of family conflict. A must-buy.” —School Library Journal, starred review for SHARK TEETH