Alia Waking

By Laura Williams McCaffrey (If you have trouble purchasing copies, please contact me directly.)
For ages 9-14
Published by Clarion Books

~ Honors ~

An International Reading Association Notable Book.

One of 35 nominees for Teens’ Top Ten Books of 2003.

One of Holly Black’s favorites for 2003 list on Green Man Review.

DCF 2004-2005 List.

~ Reviews ~

“The story offers a nuanced view of conflict and an intiguing speaking-to-trees magic from first-time author McCaffrey.” by ALB. The Horn Book Guide January-June 2003.

“This stirring coming-of-age novel reads with page-turning excitement, yet its message speaks deeply to the soul about the importance of choosing your own rightful place in your world. Resonant, beautiful and softly spoken, its message will live long in readers’ hearts.” Chinaberry Catalog

“The rich characters, vivid descriptions, and suspenseful storytelling are well blended in this novel about war, enemies, and finding oneself.” — by Linda L. Plevak. School Libary Journal, June 2003.

“This is McCaffrey’s first novel, and both its setting and characterization are convincing. The story is also a solid blend of heartwarming coming-of-age tale and compelling adventure.” — by Sally Estes. Booklist, March 1, 2003.

“In an insightful debut fantasy, a mystical connection to trees helps the 12-year-old heroine discover that warriors don’t have to use a weapon or draw blood to win a battle…the novel succeeds in its realistic depiction of a girl’s coming of age. Alia’s struggle to accept (or deny) her natural talents in order to preserve a childhood friendship will resonate with readers.” — Publishers Weekly.

~ Summary ~

Winter is nearing, and soon the keentens will choose girls to join their number. Alia wants desperately to be part of this sisterhood of warrior women but worries that her best friend, Kay, will be chosen and she will not. When the girls discover two young enemies of their people hiding in the wood near their village and succeed in capturing them, Alia is triumphant. At last she has proved herself worthy of the sisterhood.

But then everything starts to go strangely wrong, forcing her to question all that has always been certain in her life…and she begins to feel the call of a rare and ancient magic that is hard to ignore.

At once a stirring adventure and a moving, beautifully wrought coming-of-age story, Alia Waking will resonate long after the final page is turned.