CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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The Maid and the Crocodile
CCBC Review:
A sparkling novel set in the same world as the author’s West African-inspired Raybearer series succeeds as a lively stand-alone. Small Sade (Black) is an orphan who’s aged out of the care system. With no supports for young people like her and a crushed foot from an accident when she worked as a child laborer years before, her prospects aren’t promising. Small Sade also has mottled skin (vitiligo), but finds comfort in her appearance. When Small Sade meets Crocodile—a cursed man slowly losing his human form—the attraction between them is immediate. Every time he uses magic he furthers his transformation; this complicates their developing love story, since he often uses magic to be helpful to Small Sade. Small Sade gets a cleaning job at a struggling inn run by a once wealthy and still self-serving and self-centered woman. When the woman discovers Small Sade’s Curse-Eating gift—she can consume people’s negative emotions, transforming the way they feel—she offers Small Sade’s services to eat people’s guilt. Small Sade knows she’s being used, but to her it is a means of independence—employment and a place to stay among the community of friends she’s made on staff, whose dreams inspire her. Themes of social justice, self-worth, and personal empowerment are deftly woven through a story told in Small Sade’s observant, captivating voice. A concluding author’s note acknowledges references to popular fairy tales throughout, as well as factual information about society and politics that informed her telling. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 12 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
African Peoples
Fantasy
Folk and Fairy Tales
Friendship
Love and Romance
Magic
Oppression
Orphans
Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Physical
On CCBC Booklist:
Fantastic Fiction: Great Fantasy Books for Ages 11 to 17
Publishers:
Abrams, Amulet
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 280
ISBN: 9781419764356
CCBC Location: Fiction, Ifueko
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.
Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.