The girl who could silence the wind by Meg Medina

Candlewick Press, 2012.
The girl who could silence the wind, the favourite of god, the girl who can answer prayers.
Sonia is an angel, the saviour of her people in the poor mining town of Tres Monte. Born during one of the worst storms ever seen Sonia is the girl who could silence the wind. Sonia lived her life carrying the burdens of her village in the form of little prayer charms called Milagros which were pinned to her ever-present shawl. Sonia's prayers were always answered. That was until Luis's body was recovered, and in confusion and misery Sonia herself prepared his body for rest. A tiny seed of doubt planted itself firmly in her mind. Perhaps she wasn't an angel and maybe god listened to her no more than any other. Full of self-doubt Sonia finds herself working at Casa Mason having realised the dream of all young people to escape to the city. It is only there, weeks later, that Sonia learns that her brother is missing. Sick with dread and having seen an apparition of her dead mother Sonia telephones Pancho asking for his help. Can the pair save Sonia's brother in time? Or will all of their efforts be in vein? And who or what is this mysterious Iguana?
The girl who could silence the wind is a excellent fantasy story about breaking free of the restraints of a small town and finding oneself. This compelling story is easy to read and perfect for young people of all ages. Intoned with magic and sadness this superb novel is one to read again and again on a cold winter's night.
Kayla Gaskell (Student)