First published 2022
Twelve-year-old Princess Shuri considers herself a brilliant scientist who could contribute far more to Wakanda than anyone realizes. Everyone focuses on her older brother T'Challa instead, since he will become the next Black Panther. During Soul Washing Day, a sacred Wakandan ritual, Shuri and T'Challa argue. One of Shuri's inventions accidentally destroys the ceremony site. The disruption brings disaster instead of the expected prosperity. People throughout Wakanda fall ill, including the queen. Shuri fears the ancestors have cursed their kingdom. She researches frantically and discovers a potential solution buried in an old children's story. The cure might exist in the dangerous Heartlands. Shuri must venture into this mysterious region with T'Challa tagging along. The siblings carry deep jealousy and resentment toward each other. They need to overcome these feelings to survive their quest. If they succeed in working together, they might save their family and their nation. If they fail to lift the curse, Wakanda itself could end forever.
Genres: african-literature, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Wakanda
128 pages · Hardcover · Graphix