The Stone Girl's Story - by Sarah Beth Durst (Paperback)

About the Book

For fans of Gail Carson Levine and Jessica Day George, a middle grade fantasy adventure about the power of stories with "a richly diverse cast, vividly imagined worldbuilding, and passionate storytelling." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Book Synopsis

Exploring the power of stories and storytelling, Sarah Beth Durst presents the mesmerizing adventure of a girl made of living stone who braves unforeseen dangers and magical consequences on a crucial quest to save her family.

Mayka and her stone family were brought to life by the stories etched into their bodies. Now time is eroding these vital marks, and Mayka must find a stonemason to recarve them. But the search is more complex than she had imagined, and Mayka uncovers a scheme endangering all stone creatures. Only someone who casts stories into stone can help--but whom can Mayka trust? Where is the stonemason who will save them?

Action and insight combine in this magical coming-of-age novel as the young heroine realizes the savior she's been searching for is herself.

Review Quotes

"Mayka's kindness and steady loyalty, her friends' animated and varied personalities, and some downright brilliant problem-solving will carve themselves into readers' memories." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Mayka is a strong, believable heroine that readers will root for. -..This exciting adventure has moments reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, in which the protagonist must rely on herself and her friends to find inner courage and her way to safety." -- School Library Journal

"With a deft balance between the thrilling journey and the artfully built world of magic, this is as beautiful and adventurous as the graceful stone birds accompanying Mayka on her journey." -- Booklist

"Featuring a richly diverse cast, vividly imagined worldbuilding, and passionate storytelling, Durst's middle grade fantasy is a feast for the senses." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Mayka's thoughtful explorations of how the stories told about us shape our lives will especially appeal to young readers beginning to tell their own stories." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of fantasy novels for children, teens, and adults. Winner of the Mythopoeic Award and an ALA Alex Award and thrice nominated for the Andre Norton Award for YA Science Fiction and Fantasy, she lives in New York. Visit her at www.sarahbethdurst.com or on Twitter @sarahbethdurst.