Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. In a bid to be free, Mara uses her ability to read and write and speak the Babylonian language to play the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies, each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.  When she finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake. This compelling story of adventure, romance, and intrigue, set in ancient Egypt, was written by the three-time Newbery Honor and Edgar Award winning author Eloise Jarvis McGraw. 288 pages, softcover. Ages 13 and up.