Dancing in the White Sand (PB) (2020)

It's 1859, and Lani, a 13-year-old Yoruba girl, is torn from the safety of her village in West Africa by marauding men. - this debut novel puts a teenager girl's prospective on the antebellum South with an unusual choice for her existence or freedom. Lani and her mother, Toluwani, are brought to a Caribbean island where she quickly makes friends with Molayo and other girls who join together for protection and inspiration. Even though she is far from home, Lani is determined to perform an empowering dance from her native land. Ultimately, she's sold, settling in the piney woods of East Texas. Her journey, however, reveals a pathway to freedom in Mexico if only she could swim. Unknown to her new owner, Lani is a great swimmer. On the plantation she must handle peer pressure, buru, bullying, and an unexpected surprise feeling of romance for Agibe, or Ben. When the opportunity for freedom is upon her, Lani learns of an impending fire. Should she let the plantation burn, stay and fight, or take this opportunity to run away? She must grow into a women filled with hope, African customs, Yoruba words, and will strengthen you in knowing your self worth even in isolation.