MARIA and the MAGIC of the RAINBOW is a celebration of our differences. It is an engaging and captivating tale about Maria, a courageous, orphaned, pre-teen, physically challenged butterfly who escapes enslavement by a cruel and powerful fire ant obsessed with capturing and returning her to his control. On her quest for freedom and knowledge, she is swept up in an adventure that brings new friends, but also peril and pain; and life changing lessons about discrimination, bullying and friendship. Bravely facing danger and the challenges of adversity, she evolves into a role model for tolerance, compassion and forgiveness, leading to a magical revelation that enlightens everyone with a profound appreciation of each other's difference. AWARDS STORY MONSTER APPROVED: Honors authors in the field of children's literature whose books inspire, inform, teach, or entertain. Middle-Grade Fiction, Cultural Diversity School Life (Bullying and Friendship) ROYAL DRAGONFLY Book Awards, First Place Middle-Grade Fiction, Cultural Diversity PURPLE DRAGONFLY Book Awards Winner Middle-Grade Fiction Multicultural/ Diversity READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL Book Awards Children's Fable 5 FIVE STAR Reviews "This is a book all children should have."