Forest born by Shannon Hale

Bloomsbury, 2010. ISBN 9781408808610.
One of several fantasy books by Shannon Hale, Forest born is the title revolving around Rina, the youngest child born to a gregarious widow living in the forest. Rina is desperate to please everyone, fearing the loss of her mother's love should she ever find out who or what the real person within Rina is. Suppressing emotions of teenage angst such as unworthiness and dread of rejection, the story suddenly thrusts Rina into a position of trust and loyalty to her queen, and the queen's close friends, each with an extraordinary power. Through more and more difficult challenges, kidnapping and war, Rina finds she too has talents which she must quickly command to rescue her friends from danger. Towards the end, Rina accepts herself, enabling the book to be used as a tool for encouraging students to look within themselves for their own strengths, and refuse distractions that would lead them away from their potential. Recommended for mature 12+ female readers.
Margaret Clarke