Winter of Fire

Sherryl Jordan's "Winter of Fire" is a compelling young adult fantasy set in a grim, sunless future where society is divided into the privileged "Chosen" and the enslaved "Quelled." The story follows Elsha, a rebellious Quelled teenager, who is unexpectedly appointed Handmaid to the mysterious Firelord. This position thrusts her into the heart of the ruling class, where she confronts deep-seated prejudice and uncovers the truth about her world and her own burgeoning powers. The novel explores powerful themes of social justice, oppression, courage, and self-discovery, as Elsha battles to improve the lives of her people and ultimately change the course of history. It's an immersive read for older elementary to middle schoolers ready for complex themes and a strong female protagonist.

In a grim future world where the sun has vanished from the sky, people glean what warmth and light they can from the firestones mined by an untouchable caste known as the Quelled. Countless taboos are shattered when Elsha, an idealistic and rebellious Quelled girl, is chosen to be handmaid to the Firelord--the man revered by those calling themselves the Chosen. Traveling in the privileged class, Elsha encounters ugly, unthinking prejudice; she also meets a few relatively enlightened Chosen men, who cannot help falling in love with the feisty maid. Spurred on by a hatred of injustice, Elsha battles against sexism, improves life for the Quelled, and even (it seems) hastens the return of the sun to her world. (less)