The book tells the story of Balsa, a skilled female warrior, who accepts the task of protecting a young prince from otherworldly demons and his father's assassins.  Prince Chagum is the Moribito, the guardian of the sacred spirit.  If Balsa is unsuccessful in protecting the prince, the country will suffer years of devastating drought so together they must find in each other the source of strength they need to prevail.

• Mildred L. Batchelder Award 2009 (Medal Winner)
• Age: Middle
• Format: Book
• ISBN: 9780545005425

Notes

Published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. Originally published in Japanese in 1996 as "Seirei no Moribito."