Preteen Ranofer longs to carry on his father’s legacy as a goldsmith, but his cruel half-brother, Gebu, forces him to do menial labor with no pay. With the help of friends like the Ancient, who cuts papyrus stalks for a living, Renofer breaks free and exposes Gebu’s villainy.

Newbery Honor Winner

Grades 5 and up

For more about papyrus, read The Care and Keeping of . . . Papyrus.