Mara, Daughter of the Nile

From the Newbery Award-winning author of The Moorchild comes an enchanting historical adventure, set in ancient Egypt, where a brave young slave girl has agreed to spy for her enemies—until she falls for one of them.

“Dangerous espionage, an unusual love story, and richly drawn background make this a book to capture quick and lasting interest.”— The Horn Book

“Thoroughly engrossing.”— Kirkus Reviews

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the Babylonian language. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a different contender for the throne of Egypt.

Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.