Curse of the Shamra

Imagine a world where cultural conformity is treasured. Where as long as you lived by the rules, there were no obstacles to your happiness. In Curse of the Shamra, Barry Hoffman created a world where a young girl finds her true potential amidst adversity and oppression. Educators and young people alike will find this enchanting tale to be a lesson in the importance of self-worth and strength of heart.

Fifteen year old Dara always knew she was different. She was not content to cook, sew and bake. She could not hold her tongue when she disagreed with the males of her people, like the other Shamra females could. She wanted compete in races, speak her mind and learn to fight. She accepted that she would never fit in like her best friend, Pilla.

"Dara didn't act like a Shamra female," wrote Hoffman. "Shamra females learned at an early age to know their place. They were treasured, but were expected to be submissive."

The Shamra enjoyed a peaceful existence. They ignored the outside world, thinking their way of life would go on forever. Dara was uncomfortable being so complacent and when strange bird-like creatures began to fly overhead, she became certain that things were about to change for her people.

When the Shamra were attacked and enslaved, Dara and a handful of others escaped to the forbidden swamps where Dara stepped up to the role of leader. Shamra females were not supposed to lead men, but Dara proved herself worthy and the men fell into line behind her.

After a series of setbacks, Dara realized that the rebels couldn't succeed on their own and made the decision to search for allies. This sent her off on an adventure to lands the Shamra had never seen, where she encountered creatures they had never imagined. Dara learned many life lessons on her journey and realized that what she had once seen as flaws in herself could actually be strengths.

"Her experiences on her journey had been a learning experience in leadership for her too," wrote Hoffman. "In battle in the swamps, she had led by example. In success or failure she had seldom commended her troops. She praised them when they all gathered together, but she seldom sought out anyone in particular to compliment. She hadn't considered it a shortcoming until this journey."

Dara's tale is one of love and loss, courage and self-doubt. Like any teenage girl, she doubted her abilities from time to time, but the pride she had in her people and her belief in their right to freedom kept her going even under the direst of circumstances. With the help and support of her friends, Dara found the strength and wisdom to lead a small band of rebels into a battle for their very existence.

While Dara outwardly battled her enemies for the freedom of her people, she also battled herself. Her journey to self-discovery was a long road, one every young person will traverse. Dara is a heroine that everyone, young or old will want to emulate.

Suzanne J. Best is a staff writer at News & Experts.