*SIGNED BOOKPLATE

2021 Newbery Honor

All light in Chattana is created by one man the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pongs prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.

Nok, the prison wardens perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her familys good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvats twist on Victor HugosLes Misrablesis a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark.