  | Destiny of the diamond princess Author: Winston, Sherri | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
For her twelfth birthday, the only thing adoptee Zahara-Grace wants is to figure out who she is. Zahara-Grace is thrilled when she's gifted a DNA test kit, but she never imagined it would lead her biological grandfather to her. And she definitely never imagined he'd be the king of a small African country!
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/01/25)
Booklist (01/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/12/25)
The Hornbook (00/03/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 10/06/2025 A thoughtful narrative about the power of familial love takes place amid a suspenseful adventure surrounding a centuries-old curse in this engrossing novel. Adopted tween Zahara-Grace-raised by a doting lawyer mother and an architect/TikTok-dancing-sensation grandfather, G-Pop-yearns to know more about her biological parents. For her 12th birthday, G-Pop gives Zahara-Grace a DNA test kit, which traces the child’s ancestry to the fictional African country Maliwanda. Soon after, King Babatunde of Maliwanda barges into Zahara-Grace’s life, claiming to be her biological grandfather. Mythology-obsessed Zahara-Grace knows all about the Maliwandan royal family, which is purportedly cursed; what she doesn’t know about is the looming threat of a sinister cult with a disturbing interest in Maliwandan princesses. As Zahara-Grace realizes that being a royal isn’t all fun and games, she simultaneously contends with feelings of joy in learning about King Babatunde and guilt that she may be jeopardizing her connection with her mother and G-Pop. Zahara-Grace is a clever, compassionate protagonist who navigates difficult revelations with confidence and verve. Layered takes on adoption and familial relationships-gracefully and sensitively rendered by Winston (Shark Teeth)-imbue the book with heart. Ages 8-11. (Jan.) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 01/01/2026 The Princess Diaries meets African history in Winston’s latest middle-grade offering about a girl reconnecting with her birth family. Zahara-Grace is happy living with her adopted mom and grandfather (G-Pop), but, as she turns 12, she wants to learn more about where she comes from. A birthday gift steeped in Egyptian history from her birth mother and a DNA kit lead to an appearance by the king of the African nation of Maliwanda, who claims to be her grandfather. When danger strikes, it’s up to Zahara-Grace, her friends, and her family to come together to save the day. Zahara-Grace has a great support system in her mom, friends, and both grandfathers as she navigates what it means to be a princess and learns more about her birth mother. Actual history of the Black African King Taharqa and his impact on the heritage of Black Africans throughout Africa enriches the tale and steeps it in history. Mummies, curses, friends, and family make for an exciting tale that middle-grade readers won’t want to put down. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
