Little Sister

"Little Sister" transports readers to the elegant yet perilous imperial court of twelfth-century Japan, during the Heian period. It follows 13-year-old Fujiwara no Mitsuko as she undertakes a desperate mission to save her older sister's life. To succeed, Mitsuko must step outside her noble world and seek help from powerful, often unpredictable, figures from Japanese mythology, including a shape-shifter. This chapter book blends historical fiction with fantasy, offering a rich cultural backdrop and a compelling story of sibling love, courage, and perseverance. It's suitable for readers aged 8-11 for independent reading, or as a read-aloud for slightly younger children who can handle mild suspense.

Thirteen-year-old Fujiwara no Mitsuko, daughter of a noble family in the imperial court of twelfth century Japan, enlists the help of a shape-shifter and other figures from Japanese mythology in her efforts to save her older sister's life.