Girls of Paper and Fire

Seventeen-year-old Lei, a member of the lowest caste, is forced to become a concubine, or Paper Girl, in the Demon King’s palace. As she experiences the King’s abuse of power and the unfair caste system, she is emboldened by society’s civil unrest and simmering revolution and her developing intimate relationship with one of the Paper Girls to challenge the status quo and fight against her lot as a concubine. The novel explores love, personal identity, belonging, and the complex societal issues of religion, revolution, war, and power. Suitable for mature senior students with teacher preparation, discussion, and debriefing. Social considerations noted; teacher preview recommended.