Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement - by Jill Tew (Hardcover)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old African American Kaya struggles to remain true to herself when she encounters bias while competing for the role of queen at the Renaissance Faire camp.

Book Synopsis

A vibrant and heart-warming novel about the unforgettable joys of the Renaissance Faire, overcoming grief through cherished memories, and remaining true to yourself--even in cosplay.

For as long as she could remember, Kaya Morgan has spent her summers with her dad at the greatest place on Earth: The Renaissance Faire. Full of performers cosplaying as thieving pirates, enchanting fairies, and courageous heroes, the Ren Faire has always been a place where anyone could be anything they wanted to be. And for as long as she could remember, Kaya and her dad have dreamed of her someday being named the first Black Queen of the Faire.

Unfortunately for the last two summers, Kaya has been known as something else: the girl with the dead dad. But she's not going to let anyone stop her from taking her place as the Queen's apprentice (the first step on her journey towards Queen). But when the role is given to the pretty and blonde Jessie, the only spot left for Kaya is the Court Jester (who doesn't even come with a crown).

It's bad enough that it's another summer at the Ren Faire without her dad, and that her family thinks her love of medieval times is weird. But with everyone around Kaya determined to put her in a role she doesn't want to be in, Kaya must decide whether to hold onto her old dreams no matter what, or realize that it's okay for new dreams to become reality.

Review Quotes

Praise for KAYA MORGAN'S CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT
"Kaya proves adversity is just another stepping stone to greatness." --Kwame Mbalia, NYT best-selling author of the Tristan Strong series

"KAYA MORGAN'S CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT is an uplifting story of self-discovery, breaking stereotypes, and navigating grief. Readers will root for Kaya to achieve her dream of becoming the first Black Queen, and the vibrant setting will surely inspire many to visit a Renaissance Faire!"--Janae Marks, NYT best-selling author of From the Desk of Zoe Washington

"Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement is one of my favorite middle grade reads of all time. Tew excellently balances the nuances of the perceptions and realities of Black girlhood. Kaya is a protagonist that we can root for; her flaws are as endearing to the reader as her triumphs. This book is an essential addition for any middle grade library, and Kaya Morgan is the queen we all deserve." --Nashae Jones, author of COURTESY OF CUPID

About the Author

Jill Tew is the critically-acclaimed author of dystopian romance and middle grade novels that imagine Black girls in exciting new worlds. A nerd from the start, as a child she always had the latest copy of Animorphs in her backpack. Now she writes the kinds of stories she loved as a kid, with characters she wanted to see more of-- Black heroes asking big questions and saving the world (or at least, their little corner of it). Jill lives in Atlanta with her family.