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The Attic of Sand and Secrets
Learning-disabled Lily desires to prove herself, although her mind freezes when presented with big problems - such as her mother's abduction. With a French father and Egyptian mother, Lily worries that her mother hid her ethnicity from her French in-laws. However, there's something deeper going on. Lily finds a way into an attic that's normally locked and encounters a mysterious, moonlit Egyptian night world. There she finds Khadijah, an ancient stranger who guides her to finding clues about her mother's whereabouts. Lily becomes a sleuth in both the real world and magical desert, endangering herself as she gets closer to the kidnapper.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2014
2 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Medeia Sharif
19 books458 followersI was born in New York City and I presently call Miami my home. I received my master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many genres in college, I found my niche writing for young people. Today I'm a writer for all age levels published through various presses. In addition to being a writer, I'm a public school teacher. My memberships include Mensa and SCBWI.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 5, 2018
A wonderful middle grade story that centres around a young girl of mixed French-Egyptian heritage who has a learning disability. It delivers an educational message about the importance of reading as a crucial part of the learning process. This is not done in a preachy way but instead it blends into the story in a subtle and stylish manner, forming part of the exciting adventure.
December 2, 2014
The Attic of Sand and Secrets starts with Lily’s mother missing, and there’s no better way to start a book than with a mystery. Hoping to find secrets to her mother’s Egyptian past and her disappearance, Lily opens a closed cabinet door in her closet. She finds a staircase coated in sand. Following the stairs to what she thinks is the attic she comes out into a desert. The next morning, she believes it a dream even though sand is still piled in front of her door from her night journey.
Lily is described as a learning disabled girl. I would have liked to know the exact name of the learning disability. I believe she was dyslexic, but that’s not actually stated. I liked that we were able to see Lily at school and in her LD classes, though, because it gave insight into her character and life. Plus, it felt real which is a plus for fiction. Witnessing her growth as she acts as a detective was neat. I also liked how we were able to follow the disappearance of Lily’s mother as we would if someone we knew was missing, by watching the news and hearing updates.
I’ve always been enchanted by Egypt so this story was a treat. I figured out who the kidnapper was in the very beginning, but other readers will have fun unraveling the mystery with Lily.
Lily is described as a learning disabled girl. I would have liked to know the exact name of the learning disability. I believe she was dyslexic, but that’s not actually stated. I liked that we were able to see Lily at school and in her LD classes, though, because it gave insight into her character and life. Plus, it felt real which is a plus for fiction. Witnessing her growth as she acts as a detective was neat. I also liked how we were able to follow the disappearance of Lily’s mother as we would if someone we knew was missing, by watching the news and hearing updates.
I’ve always been enchanted by Egypt so this story was a treat. I figured out who the kidnapper was in the very beginning, but other readers will have fun unraveling the mystery with Lily.
November 12, 2014
Lily has a learning disability and because of that she never really considered herself to be smart. But when her mother goes missing, Lily will stop at nothing to figure out what happened to her. Following clues leads Lily to her attic where something magical happens. She meets a relative from Egypt, who helps Lily in her search for her mother. How? The attic transforms at night, and Lily is able to travel to Egypt and speak to people who only exist in this magical world she can access. Unraveling clues will lead Lily to a discovery she didn't see coming and prove that Lily is much smarter than she ever gave herself credit for.
I loved this book. The magical elements were fantastic. The idea of finding another world in the attic and discovering more about her heritage was incredible. Between the mystery and magic, I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it!
I loved this book. The magical elements were fantastic. The idea of finding another world in the attic and discovering more about her heritage was incredible. Between the mystery and magic, I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend it!
November 13, 2014
I read this book in one sitting. It’s not very long, but I didn’t want to put it down until I discovered the big mystery. Lily has a learning disability and I think it’s great that the author included this issue. It added an intriguing layer and hopefully it will help raise awareness. As Lily searches for clues about her mother’s disappearance, the reader sees her overcome many obstacles and her growth. She’s a great character to cheer for. The magical elements and the hidden world in the attic are enchanting. This is a quick, fun, mysterious, and entertaining read.
May 2, 2015
Lily is a learning disabled girl who struggles in school and has a tutor to help her out. At the beginning, we learn that her mother is missing and the police are looking for her since they aren't sure whether she just left or was kidnapped. Her parents are wealthy so an abduction is certainly possible. She feels lost and isn't sure how to help until she stumbles across a mysterious Egyptian world where a stranger helps her figure out what's going on. Her own life is in danger, though, as she starts putting the pieces together.
I enjoyed this book! Lily is easy to like. There are some girls that are mean to her and don't feel that she's worthy to be the daughter of parents that are so wealthy. She's lonely and wants to feel useful and that she can make a difference. Her confidence grew as she was able to figure out the clues and learn what really happened to her mother.
This is a short, quick read. I enjoyed the pacing. It was easy to get caught up in Lily's story and continue reading. I liked the way the story unfolded. The ending was satisfying and didn't leave any questions. This is a fun read for middle graders who enjoy a great mystery!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I enjoyed this book! Lily is easy to like. There are some girls that are mean to her and don't feel that she's worthy to be the daughter of parents that are so wealthy. She's lonely and wants to feel useful and that she can make a difference. Her confidence grew as she was able to figure out the clues and learn what really happened to her mother.
This is a short, quick read. I enjoyed the pacing. It was easy to get caught up in Lily's story and continue reading. I liked the way the story unfolded. The ending was satisfying and didn't leave any questions. This is a fun read for middle graders who enjoy a great mystery!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
January 7, 2015
What I liked about this book is it's sense of magic and adventure. It comes covered with a warm blanket of hopeful expectancy to solve a mystery of a missing loved-one.
Its pages took me to the world of Lily and showed me how important finding her mom was to her. Her struggles became part of the reader--in this case, that's me, of course. :-) But--unbeknownst to her--within the heart of her struggles lies the key to learning where her mother was.
I enjoyed reading it. It was a lovely tale.
Review taken from: http://sittiecateslovestories.blogspo...
Its pages took me to the world of Lily and showed me how important finding her mom was to her. Her struggles became part of the reader--in this case, that's me, of course. :-) But--unbeknownst to her--within the heart of her struggles lies the key to learning where her mother was.
I enjoyed reading it. It was a lovely tale.
Review taken from: http://sittiecateslovestories.blogspo...
November 29, 2014
“The biggest dangers are here in this world.”
Meaning that they are not in Lily’s attic. At least, she doesn’t think they are. And she’s going to go in there, whether her father wants her to or not.
THE ATTIC OF SANDS AND SECRETS, by Medeia Sharif, escorts the reader through a magical, dreamlike mystery. Lily is a learning disabled junior high school student. She struggles in school, especially in reading. She’s the daughter of wealthy, loving parents. Her dad is the vastly successful owner of a chain of Florida bakeries, her mom an Egyptian-born socialite who stores her family heirlooms—and a world full of secrets—in the attic of their expansive, beachside home.
And one day, Lily’s mother is kidnapped. The suspects are manifold: the creepy writer-neighbor-guy across the street, Dad’s jealous brother and his wife, everyone who knows the family and their movements … and they all have alibis. Dad is only too willing to pay the exorbitant ransom demands, but the police inadvertently botch the transfer, ratcheting up the suspense and leaving Mom’s fate in the hands of Lily herself. Because Lily has unlocked help from another world—a world to which her mother apparently belonged, at least at one time—and in the second half of the book, it’s the proverbial race against time as Lily works out clue after clue in a frantic rush to save her mother’s life.
Her “coach” on the other side is an ancient, flute-playing wise woman named Khadijah. She directs Lily to visit various locations in a nighttime Egypt frozen in time: into a pyramid, through a bustling bizarre, onto a strange riverboat with a strange conductor, all to piece together what happened in the “real” world before it’s too late.
And Lily has to research. Lily has to read. She has to overcome her own shortcomings to become the “smart” girl the reader has always known that she is. In other words, in order to save her mother, Lily must first, in effect, save herself.
I’ll say no more, other than to encourage readers of this review to check out THE ATTIC OF SANDS AND SECRETS, and to embark on a road of trials that is both harrowing and … oddly beautiful …
Meaning that they are not in Lily’s attic. At least, she doesn’t think they are. And she’s going to go in there, whether her father wants her to or not.
THE ATTIC OF SANDS AND SECRETS, by Medeia Sharif, escorts the reader through a magical, dreamlike mystery. Lily is a learning disabled junior high school student. She struggles in school, especially in reading. She’s the daughter of wealthy, loving parents. Her dad is the vastly successful owner of a chain of Florida bakeries, her mom an Egyptian-born socialite who stores her family heirlooms—and a world full of secrets—in the attic of their expansive, beachside home.
And one day, Lily’s mother is kidnapped. The suspects are manifold: the creepy writer-neighbor-guy across the street, Dad’s jealous brother and his wife, everyone who knows the family and their movements … and they all have alibis. Dad is only too willing to pay the exorbitant ransom demands, but the police inadvertently botch the transfer, ratcheting up the suspense and leaving Mom’s fate in the hands of Lily herself. Because Lily has unlocked help from another world—a world to which her mother apparently belonged, at least at one time—and in the second half of the book, it’s the proverbial race against time as Lily works out clue after clue in a frantic rush to save her mother’s life.
Her “coach” on the other side is an ancient, flute-playing wise woman named Khadijah. She directs Lily to visit various locations in a nighttime Egypt frozen in time: into a pyramid, through a bustling bizarre, onto a strange riverboat with a strange conductor, all to piece together what happened in the “real” world before it’s too late.
And Lily has to research. Lily has to read. She has to overcome her own shortcomings to become the “smart” girl the reader has always known that she is. In other words, in order to save her mother, Lily must first, in effect, save herself.
I’ll say no more, other than to encourage readers of this review to check out THE ATTIC OF SANDS AND SECRETS, and to embark on a road of trials that is both harrowing and … oddly beautiful …
February 2, 2015
Not only was this book mysterious and interesting but it also unraveled a great message regarding the dedication of a young girl who is viewed by others as not-so-smart. Lily, the main character, is determined to find out what happened to her mother when she disappears. Even though Lily does have a learning disability, she is steadfast to find out what happened... no matter what.
When Lily discovers another world in her attic, the magic and mysterious journey begins. As the story progresses, I was impressed by how relatable Lily is, even though she has a learning disability. The author has created a beautiful world using Egypt and Lily's character.
I highly recommend this book to middle school readers and teens. It is quickly paced and the magical elements will keep young minds engaged. I'm passing The Attic of Sand and Secrets off to both of my nieces.
When Lily discovers another world in her attic, the magic and mysterious journey begins. As the story progresses, I was impressed by how relatable Lily is, even though she has a learning disability. The author has created a beautiful world using Egypt and Lily's character.
I highly recommend this book to middle school readers and teens. It is quickly paced and the magical elements will keep young minds engaged. I'm passing The Attic of Sand and Secrets off to both of my nieces.
January 2, 2015
Not only was this book mysterious and interesting but it also unraveled a great message regarding the dedication of a young girl who is viewed by others as not-so-smart. Lily, the main character, is determined to find out what happened to her mother when she disappears. Even though Lily does have a learning disability, she is steadfast to find out what happened... no matter what.
When Lily discovers another world in her attic, the magic and mysterious journey begin. As the story progresses, I was impressed by how relatable Lily is, even though she has a learning disability. The author has created a beautiful world using Egypt and Lily's character.
I highly recommend this book to middle school readers and teens. It is quickly paced and the magical elements will keep young minds engaged. I'm passing The Attic of Sand and Secrets off to both of my nieces.
When Lily discovers another world in her attic, the magic and mysterious journey begin. As the story progresses, I was impressed by how relatable Lily is, even though she has a learning disability. The author has created a beautiful world using Egypt and Lily's character.
I highly recommend this book to middle school readers and teens. It is quickly paced and the magical elements will keep young minds engaged. I'm passing The Attic of Sand and Secrets off to both of my nieces.
January 16, 2015
t was a treat to read this book, and Medeia has a way with creating interesting and complex characters that really draw the reader in. I enjoyed this novel a lot, especially the growth in Lily. The situation with her mother's abduction is incredibly tense and Lily manages to handle it well. Her journey to work out the clues and help bring her mother home was great and I found myself cheering her on. And really wanting to visit her father's pastry shop, haha! It was incredibly sad to see how little Lily thought of herself with her struggles in school, which made her growth and acceptance so much more rewarding. I recommend this one especially to those who enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, or if you just enjoy a good mystery with a little magic thrown in :)
February 20, 2015
This is an intriguing mystery that young readers will love, and definitely one I would have enjoyed as a kid. I can easily relate to Lily, the protagonist, who has a learning disability. I'm so glad that Sharif explored Lily's disability from multiple angles, showing that even though others might view her as "stupid" or "dumb," Lily is, in fact, very smart.
I loved the world that Lily's attic opened up into, and I would have loved imagining my own attic or closet as a separate world when I was a kid. Her Egyptian background was very interesting to learn about, too. I recommend this book to young readers who enjoy a good mystery and, like Lily, enjoy taking on the role of a detective.
I loved the world that Lily's attic opened up into, and I would have loved imagining my own attic or closet as a separate world when I was a kid. Her Egyptian background was very interesting to learn about, too. I recommend this book to young readers who enjoy a good mystery and, like Lily, enjoy taking on the role of a detective.
January 1, 2015
Lily's mom has been kidnapped. The search to find the kidnapper leads Lily to a mysterious desert world in her attic, where she meets a stranger who gives her clues as to her mother's whereabouts in the real world.
The Attic of Sand and Secrets is a fast-paced mystery that jumps right into the action within the first few paragraphs. Author, Medeia Sharif, does an excellent job world building with descriptions that utilize all the senses.
This is a quick, easy read that middle grade readers interested in mystery, magic, and action would enjoy
The Attic of Sand and Secrets is a fast-paced mystery that jumps right into the action within the first few paragraphs. Author, Medeia Sharif, does an excellent job world building with descriptions that utilize all the senses.
This is a quick, easy read that middle grade readers interested in mystery, magic, and action would enjoy
November 28, 2014
A secret attic passageway to another land, a young girl on an adventure...this book has all of the elements of an amazing story! Best of all, the heroine is a learning disabled girl who goes on a quest to find her missing mother on her own--despite the discrimination and ridicule she experiences at school. As the mystery of Lily's mom's disappearance unfolds, readers will be kept in suspense until the end.
March 20, 2015
I won this novella in a goodreads drawing.
After her mother is abducted, a young girl with a learning disability tries to help find her. To aid her quest, the girl finds a secret passage in the attic that leads to ancient Egypt and one of her ancestors.
A bit predictable, but a good quick read.
After her mother is abducted, a young girl with a learning disability tries to help find her. To aid her quest, the girl finds a secret passage in the attic that leads to ancient Egypt and one of her ancestors.
A bit predictable, but a good quick read.
January 13, 2016
This is a honest review in exchange for an ARC of this book. I highly enjoyed this book. I found the story captivating and imaginative. I highly recommend this book to other readers who are looking for something unique in their next read.
November 12, 2014
I love the mystery. I love the diversity.
December 13, 2014
A fast, easy to read, very well-written mystery for kids and teens. Lily is learning disabled and is made fun of for being dumb, but her perseverance and intellect shine through after her mother is abducted. The novel length is short, the story pacing is quick; and the mystery and paranormal elements will keep readers turning the pages. Even kids who don’t like reading novels will love this one. Very highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews