Nura and the Immortal Palace
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that M.T. Khan's Nura and the Immortal Palace is a middle-grade fantasy set in a fictional town in Pakistan. When five children are lost in a mining disaster, 12-year-old Nura swears that she will find them. In her rescue attempt, she discovers a strange land ruled by the jinn (magical tricksters). There's minor violence in the form of kidnapped children and child labor. The flaming jinn are scary but not deadly.
What's the Story?
As NURA AND THE IMMORTAL PALACE begins, 12-year-old Nura is a mica miner in a fictional Pakistani town who digs her way into a magical land ruled by the jinn, a race of magical tricksters. She and her friends initially enjoy their time in a fabulous hotel casino, amassing untold riches. But there's always a catch. If Nura doesn't escape in time, she and a bunch of kidnaped children will be forced to work at the casino forever.
Is It Any Good?
Never trust a jinn is a lesson well learned, and this fantasy gives Muslim mythology its due. Author M.T. Khan conjures up a fantastical setting that stresses the need to work together to solve issues of inequality. Nura is resourceful, clever, and compassionate, and the supporting cast is diverse and engaging. Readers looking for something unusual will not be disappointed by Nura and the Immortal Palace.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Nura and the Immortal Palace uses mythology to tell its story. What other books have you read that involve mythology? Which are your favorites?
Why do some people believe in sin? Why is greed dangerous?
How can different groups work together to achieve success? What strategies can you use to communicate better?
Book Details
- Author: M.T. Khan
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Great Girl Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Courage, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: July 5, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 26, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Beautiful tale of Pakistani American middle-schooler.
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Jade Fire Gold
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Okoye to the People: A Black Panther Novel
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For kids who love fantasy and muslim characters
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