Lalani of the Distant Sea

by Erin Entrada Kelly

“Fast-paced and full of wonder, this is a powerful, gripping must-read.”—Kirkus (starred review)

“A lush and mysterious fable, full of beauty, full of wonder.”—Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal–winning author of When You Reach Me

Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly’s debut fantasy novel is a gorgeous, literary adventure about bravery, friendship, self-reliance, and the choice between accepting fate or forging your own path.

When Lalani Sarita’s mother falls ill with an incurable disease, Lalani embarks on a dangerous journey across the sea in the hope of safeguarding her own future. Inspired by Filipino folklore, this engrossing fantasy is for readers who loved Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Disney’s Moana.

Life is difficult on the island of Sanlagita. To the west looms a vengeful mountain, one that threatens to collapse and bury the village at any moment. To the north, a dangerous fog swallows sailors who dare to venture out, looking for a more hospitable land. And what does the future hold for young girls? Chores and more chores.

When Lalani Sarita’s mother falls gravely ill, twelve-year-old Lalani faces an impossible task—she must leave Sanlagita and find the riches of the legendary Mount Isa, which towers on an island to the north. But generations of men and boys have died on the same quest—how can an ordinary girl survive the epic tests of the archipelago? And how will she manage without Veyda, her best friend?

Newbery Medalist and New York Times–bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly’s debut fantasy novel is inspired by Filipino folklore and is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about friendship, courage, and identity. Perfect for fans of Lauren Wolk’s Beyond the Bright Sea and Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

• ISBN10: 0062747274
• ISBN13: 9780062747273
• Publish Date: 17 October 2019 (first published 7 May 2019)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 9 March 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Greenwillow Books
• Format: Hardcover (Deckle Edge)
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Veronica 🦦]

A | If there’s one word I can use to describe this book, it’s “melodic.” Now, if you asked me which musical piece this books reminded me of, I would say, “Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47: I. Allegro moderato,” which is one of my favorite pieces. Strange? Perhaps. However this was the first came to my mind after I finished the book.

I adored this book. If this book could talk? It would stand up tall and proud and say, “I am proudly Filipino and you can’t take that away from me.” It is a rich Filipino inspired world that is teeming with Filipino mythology and folklore in every page. And yes, this does include the not so great sides of Filipino culture like the way men are uplifted while women are put down and blamed for any and all issues arising.

Oh, how I wish this book existed when I was a child.

But I am thankful for its existence now because it means Filipinos in the diaspora can finally read about a world inspired by our culture and filled with characters based on our myths and legends.

And this book is even more special because of Lalani.

What really made me fall in love with Lalani is that she is not the chosen one. She is not a special little girl destined for greatness. No. She is simply a twelve year old girl whose heart is full of generosity, selflessness, bravery, and resiliency.

It’s great when books allow kids to imagine themselves as superheroes. But it’s also important to show kids that everyone — even those without special talents or abilities — can make a difference in society. Resilience and bravery go a long way and even those without magic an accomplish great things.