The Queen of Water

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the difficult process of defining themselves apart from societal expectations, or when they are showing curiosity about the systemic realities of class and race. Based on a true story, this novel follows Virginia, a Quechua girl in Ecuador who is taken from her village to work as an unpaid servant for a middle-class family. It is a powerful exploration of the loss of heritage and the grit required to reclaim one's voice after years of being told they are 'less than.' While the subject matter involves themes of indentured servitude and emotional abuse, the story is ultimately one of empowerment and intellectual awakening. It is most appropriate for readers aged 12 and up who are ready for a realistic, sometimes painful, but deeply rewarding journey toward self-actualization. Parents will appreciate how the book fosters empathy and provides a window into the lived experiences of indigenous people in South America.