The Leopard Behind the Moon

“A beautifully rendered coming-of-age story.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

No one knows what lies beyond the magical village door, but Ezomo is determined to find out. Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev’s debut is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and long-standing traditions. The power of storytelling comes to life in this novel perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Tracey Baptiste, and Tae Keller.

There are three important laws in Ezomo’s village: Do not go to The Valley, do not go out at night, and never, ever, ever open the magical door that protects them all. But when Ezomo encounters the leopard believed to have killed his father, he and his two best friends embark on a journey that leads them past the boundaries set by their elders.

With his friends by his side, Ezomo chases after the leopard, certain that it has the power to cure all. But in the process, he discovers the truth about his village. And that cautionary tales exist for a reason.

Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev’s debut novel balances a gripping adventure with themes of friendship, community, identity, grief, and resilience. Poignant and memorable, Ezomo’s story will appeal to fantasy lovers and readers of Grace Lin and Kelly Barnhill.

Ezomo’s journey to uncover the truth will test his courage, his friendships, and everything he thought he knew about home.

• Myths and Legends: In a village protected by a magical door and bound by ancient rules, some secrets are meant to stay buried. But for Ezomo, the truth about his father’s death is a secret he must uncover.
• An Unlikely Hero: Everyone sees Ezomo as a boy lost in grief. But when he and his two best friends defy their elders, he’ll have to find a strength he never knew he possessed.
• Friendship and Courage: Joined by his loyal friends, Ezomo’s journey beyond the magical door will test their bond in ways they never imagined.
• Grief and Resilience: A heartfelt exploration of loss that finds hope in the power of stories, the strength of community, and the courage to face the truth, no matter how much it hurts.

“A boy and his best friends embark on a pilgrimage that delivers bittersweet life lessons in a richly rendered, West African–inspired world. . . . Paasewe-Valchev’s prose is captivating, smooth, and poetic in its delivery of this fresh and layered narrative. With well-timed, fluid pacing, this novel masterfully deals with themes of friendship, family, loss, and hope. Readers will be engrossed from start to finish. A beautifully rendered coming-of-age story.”  - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“[A] wondrous tale of the village of Sesa, the unusual boy who lives there—and magic enough to change them both. . . . Combining adventure, cautionary tale, and folklore, the narrative includes many side stories and intertwined histories. . . . Making use of many characteristics found in West African oral traditions (call and response, repetition, proverbs, etc.), this tale is a joy to read both silently and aloud.” - Horn Book Magazine