The Leopard Behind the Moon

Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev's debut novel tells the story of Ezomo, a young boy determined to discover what lies beyond the magical village door. Despite village laws warning against venturing into forbidden areas and opening the magical door, Ezomo and his friends embark on a journey in pursuit of a leopard believed to have killed his father. Throughout their adventure, Ezomo confronts truths about his village and learns the importance of cautionary tales. This coming-of-age story weaves themes of friendship, family, grief, and resilience into a poignant and memorable narrative that will resonate with fantasy lovers and fans of authors like Grace Lin and Kelly Barnhill.