Marikit and the
Ocean of Stars

Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR

A magical middle grade debut, inspired by Filipino folklore, about a ten-year-old girl who embarks on a quest in the world of gods and spirits to save her and her family from a sinister shadow god. Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon and When You Trap a Tiger.

"Inspired by Filipino folklore and legends, this is an exciting quest full of heart...A captivating tale of family, love, loss, and magic."
―Kirkus
"Like Alice stumbling down the rabbit hole, Marikit has memorable adventures that help her find her place in the world. A perfect read-alike for fans of Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009) and Erin Entrada Kelly’s Lalani of the Distant Sea (2019)."
―Booklist
"Marikit’s story is one of finding what is most important in life, through family and friends, and gratitude over material wealth. Debut author Cruz has created a richly woven Filipino adventure [that] stands out due to its beautiful exploration of Filipino culture and lyrical prose."
―School Library Journal

A Junior Literary Guild Gold Standard Selection

Synopsis

Marikit is used to wearing recycled clothes. Her mother, the best seamstress in the barrio, has become an expert at making do ever since Marikit’s father and brother were lost at sea. But for her tenth birthday, all Marikit wants is something new. So when her mother gifts her a patchwork dress stitched together with leftover scraps from her workshop, Marikit vows to never wear it. That is, until the eve of her birthday, when shadow creatures creep into their home, attempt to take Marikit away, and upend the very life she knew.

When she’s swept away from the human world, Marikit discovers that her dress is a map, one lovingly crafted to lead her to safety in the magical lands of the Engkantos. She trudges through the enchanted lands of mythical creatures, making friends out of monsters and challenging gods. With the help of her friends, including an exuberant firefly and a cursed boy, Marikit journeys through the land of the Engkantos to find the key to saving her family, all without being eaten alive.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Language: English

Hardcover: 320 pages

ISBN-1: ‎ 0374389098

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0374389093

Reading age: Middle Grade ‎ (8 – 12 years old)

Illustration by Alexis Young

Cover Design by Veronica Mang

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bullying, death, violence, grief, drowning, falling, storms, fire, needles, monsters, misogyny, anxiety, tunnels, spiders, injury

These items are indicated in the Author’s Note.

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More Praise for Marikit and the Ocean of Stars
Radiant and lyrical. Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is woven with love, each line shimmering with beautiful words, forming a timeless story that will find a place in readers' hearts."
―Julie Abe
author of the Eva Evergreen series
"Cruz has woven a constellation of folklore, love and whimsy to create a tender, glimmering tale that is sure to be an enduring classic. Destined to be a star on every shelf."
―Roshani Chokshi
New York Times bestselling author of the Pandava series
"Full of rich detail and a tremendous heart, Marikit's whimsical, immersive adventure is an absolute delight."
―Amanda Foody
New York Times bestselling author of Wilderlore
"Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is rich and magical, full of heart and imagination. A must-read for fans of mythical creatures, magical gods, and marvelous monsters."
―Erin Entrada Kelly
winner of the 2018 Newbery Medal for Hello Universe and 2021 Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space
“Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is a stunning, lyrical, and magical tale that is sure to become a new favorite....A remarkable debut.”
―Alex Aster
award-winning author of the Emblem Island series