Books

Book

Moraline

by: Cintia Alfonso Fior

Award: 2023 Reader’s Favorite Golden Medal Winner in Children Grade 4th-6th Genre

“Powerful middle-grade fiction that speaks from the heart and invites readers to share in a better future.” —Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old Moraline Reed is about to run away from her problems—again. Since moving from New York to California, Moraline pushes against a hot, dry wind whenever trouble happens. Running is the only way she feels in control, so she runs. When Moraline ends up on the wrong end of a cruel prank during a school camping trip, she does the only thing she feels like she can do. She instinctively seeks refuge into the local woods. But this turns into the chance of a lifetime, as Moraline meets a Lakota holy man who tells her that she’s destined to be the girl who runs against the wind. It’s Moraline’s fate to put the winds back into balance by combating injustice wherever she finds it.

A breath of magic leads her to new friends and a mysterious stray fox who support her as she advocates for building peace both close to home and throug hout her community. Together, they face some of the biggest issues of their time head-on.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Moraline

"Moraline is a story about children's voices and agency, and it speaks loudly about children's rights and their power and responsibilities."

The Children's Book Review Editorial Review

"Moraline is a gentle, empowering novel in which young advocates find their work enhanced by moments of magic."

Foreword Clarion Review Editorial Review

"The prose is simple but elegant: "Sometimes standing tall meant bending a little when the wind blew, just like the sequoia trees." The story moves at a good pace, infused with the vivacity and inquisitive spirit of its protagonists."

Kirkus Reviews Editorial Review

"Moraline is highly recommended...to instill higher-level thinking about peace, social justice, life and community connection in young readers."

The Midwest Book Review Editorial Review

"There are instances of caring and kindness that support the book's messages of hope, and gentle lessons regarding conflict resolution and stewardship."

Reader's Favorite Editorial Review

Stories That Shape the Future

Rising Advocates' Educational Vision

At Rising Advocates, we embrace a systemic approach to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which has served as the cornerstone of our debut novel, ‘Moraline.
Our unwavering commitment revolves around bridging the gap between research and practical application.
We are dedicated to ensuring that the latest research findings are translated and transformed into user friendly materials, resources, and curricula, all intended to empower educators and bring SEL strategies to life.

Author

About the Author

Children’s fiction author Cintia Alfonso Fior first realized she wanted to be a writer after working with diverse underserved populations in South America, North America, and Africa. The perception of injustices and the great need to advocate for underserved populations, particularly children, inspired her to write her magical realism novel for young readers, Moraline. Fior is a child psychologist with a MA in Peace and Justice Studies from the Kroc Institute of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego and was the former chair of the American Family Therapy Academy’s (AFTA) Family Policy & Human Rights Committee. Fior’s goal is to use storytelling to teach kids conflict analysis, resolution, and peacebuilding. Originally from Argentina, she lives with her family in San Diego, California. Moraline is her debut novel.