Eleven–year–old Kiisa had no idea why her father and mother would send her to boarding school in a remote village. She wondered why they couldn’t all stay together in their beautiful valley home. But no matter what she said they were firm. She must go to school, and not any school, this particular boarding school.

As she said a tearful goodbye to her father, he whispered, “For such a time as this . . . . Remember that phrase, and try to open your trunk soon. You’ll find something unexpected inside.” When Kiisa opened the trunk, she was astonished to find a small heap of black and white feathers that quickly unfolded into a little bird, a wagtail to be exact. Her surprise only deepened when the bird started to speak, ”My name is Njili, I am one of the Messengers, though a small one. I have been sent to assist you with the Rescue.” Kiisa had no idea what she meant, but she would soon find out.

One dark night Kiisa discovers why she had to come to the boarding school, “For such a time as this,” And Kiisa and the bird embark on rescue mission that includes rebels, stolen girls, illegal logging of the forest, a dangerous cobra, and of course, more messengers–birds and a talking monkey–who help in unexpected ways. Kiisa sets out to rescue others, but along the way she is rescued herself from fear and bitterness, as she learns that bravery is nothing more (or less) than being in the right place at the right time, and going forward despite her fears.

This page–turning story, the second in The Messenger series (A Chameleon, a Boy and a Quest is the first book), is an adventure that children, young adults, and even regular adults will not be able to put down.