New York Timesbestselling author Marieke Nijkamp’s middle grade prose debut is an immersive medieval fantasy starring queer and disabled young heroes. For two young misfits, a dangerous quest to save their kingdom will also mean saving each other. For fans of B. B. Alstons Amari and the Night Brothers, Soman Chainanis School for Good and Evil, and Tamora Pierces Tortall books.

Ashor Princess Adelisais the youngest child of the queen, recently returned to the city of Kestrels Haven after spending six years on the other side of the country. Ash was hoping for a joyous reunion, but the reality is far from it. Her mother is holding the kingdom together by a thread; her brother has only taunts and jibes for her; and court is full of nobles who openly mock and dismiss Ash, who uses a cane and needs braces to strengthen her joints.

Splinter is the youngest child of one of Havens most prominent families. Shes fierce, determined, and adventurous, and she has her sights set on becoming a knight just like her older brother. Even if everyone says she cant because shes not a boy. So what? Shes not a girl, either.

A chance encounter throws Ash and Splinter into each others orbits and changes the course of the kingdom’s history. The princess and her new squire will face bullies, snobs, gossips, and their own disapproving families. But when they uncover a shadowy group of nobles plotting to overthrow the queen, they will show everyone how legends are born. Together.

The first in a trilogy, bestselling author Marieke Nijkamps medieval fantasy is an action-packed love letter to nonbinary, queer, and disabled kids. Splinter & Ash evokes the classic adventure and atmosphere of fantasies by Lloyd Alexander and Tamora Pierce and the fresh, inclusive lens of writers such as Rick Riordan, Angie Thomas, and Soman Chainani. It invites everyoneno matter who they are or what they look liketo fight for what they believe in.

Hardcover | Ages 8-12 | 368 pages | 5.50″ x 8.25″