Rebel of the Sands

In a fantasy world that resembles a Western-style Middle East, sixteen-year-old Amani Al-Hiza has a quick tongue and is a skilled fighter and shooter. The problem is that she is a girl, and this is a place where women are of little value. Amani tames a magical horse, takes a chance on a foreigner, and embarks on a journey, escaping the male-dominated society in which she lives; she sets off on an adventure across the desert, where evil Sultans and demons roam. In this unforgiving place, Amani can begin to discover her true self, her strength, and embrace who she is. Suitable for students in Grade 9–11, “Rebel of the Sands” is the first of a trilogy written by Alwyn Hamilton. Its particular setting lends itself well to discussions about different cultures, mythologies, and presents opportunities for groups or individual students to research other important topics broached such as misogyny, religion, gun violence, or poverty.