Author(s): Suzanne Fisher Staples

Children & Young Adult

Twelve-year-old Shabanu lives with her family in Pakistan's Cholistan Desert, in a society that denies women any form of independence. She is already betrothed, while her sister Phulan, a year older, is about to be married. After tragedy strikes, Shabanu is faced with a life changing decision - she must choose between pursuing the freedom she's always longed for and following the traditions of her family and culture.