Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement

“Joyful… a crowning achievement, indeed.”

— Publishers Weekly, starred review


Accolades

  • Spring / Summer 2025 Publishers Marketplace Buzz Book

  • Publishers Weekly Starred Review

A vibrant and heart-warming novel about the unforgettable joys of the Renaissance Faire, overcoming grief through cherished memories, and remaining true to yourself—even in cosplay.

For as long as she can remember, Kaya Morgan has spent her summers with her dad at the greatest place on Earth: The Renaissance Faire. Full of performers cosplaying as thieving pirates, enchanting fairies, and courageous heroes, the Ren Faire has always been a place where anyone could be anything they wanted to be. And for as long as she could remember, Kaya and her dad have dreamed of her someday being named the first Black Queen of the Faire.

Unfortunately for the last two summers, Kaya has been known as something else: the girl with the dead dad. But she’s not going to let anyone stop her from taking her place as the Queen’s apprentice (the first step on her journey towards Queen). But when the role is given to the pretty and blue-eyed Jessie, the only spot left for Kaya is the Court Jester (who doesn’t even come with a crown).

It's bad enough that it’s another summer at the Ren Faire without her dad, and that her family thinks her love of medieval times is weird. But with everyone around Kaya determined to put her in a role she doesn’t want to be in, Kaya must decide whether to hold onto her old dreams no matter what, or realize that it’s okay for new dreams to become reality.

Reviews

★ "A smart and relatable narrator whose burgeoning, joyful agency proves a crowning achievement, indeed." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Makes big questions surrounding profiling and systemic racism accessible." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Kaya’s spunky attitude and heart will have readers rooting for her." - Booklist

"Kaya’s apprenticeship journey is a perfect fit for middle-grade readers." - Booklist

"An original, insightful tale about reimagining old stories and expanding previously homogeneous spaces." - Kirkus Reviews

“An uplifting story of self-discovery, breaking stereotypes, and navigating grief.” - Janae Marks, New York Times bestselling author of From the Desk of Zoe Washington

“Kaya proves adversity is just another stepping stone on the way to greatness.” - Kwame Mbalia, New York Times bestselling author of the Tristan Strong series

One of my favorite middle grade reads of all time. Kaya Morgan is the queen we all deserve.” - Nashae Jones, author of Courtesy of Cupid

Published by Freedom Fire
Middle Grade | ISBN 978-1368104685