Purchase to Support Our Program

“Egyptian American Sahara comes to value her dual cultural heritage when her first trip to her parents’ homeland reveals a magical family history. …Sahara’s contemplation of her identity and her search for self-acceptance provide an entertaining and relatable backdrop to her encounters with magical elements. Details of Islamic practices and life in Egypt are peppered throughout the novel, flowing naturally as Sahara asks questions about things she doesn’t understand. …An engaging fantasy inspired by a classic tale that’s guaranteed to leave readers eager for more.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Daughters of the Lamp (Daughters of the Lamp #1)

Written by Nedda Lewers
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Sahara Rashad lives by logic. Loves science. And always has a plan. Except her dad just whisked her away to her uncle’s wedding in Egypt, upending every single plan she had for the summer.

In Cairo, Sahara’s days are filled with family—and mystery. First, Sahara’s cousins claim the pretentious bride-to-be is actually a witch. Then her late mother’s necklace starts glowing—and disappears.

Sahara’s attempts to recover the necklace lead her to the greatest mystery yet. Deep in an underground chamber lies Ali Baba’s magical treasure. Hidden from a line of sorcerers who threatened to use its powers for evil, the treasure was given to Sahara’s ancestor Morgana for safekeeping and passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Now only Sahara stands in the sorcerers’ way.

Can the girl who’s never believed in magic trust the unknown and claim her legacy as the treasure’s keeper?

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

Children of the Wind (Daughters of the Lamp #2)

 

Primary ISBN: 9780593619308
Publication Date: February 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York City NY), Egypt (Cairo)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.

Engagement Materials:

Book Trailer

Source: neddalewers.com