Across The Sands The year is 1332 and Mali; known in the mid-evil world, as the pearl of Africa; is a bustling metropolis, renowned for its wealth, culture and extensive trade. As a young girl Awa's mother tells her that her forward thinking and just heart are the very traits that will one day make her a natural leader. Her mother's words validate what Awa's knows in her heart to be true. One day she will travel across the Sahara leading a Caravan. Determined to fill her life with exploration and adventure seventeen year old Awa Camara; eldest daughter of Mali's wealthiest salt Julla (trader/merchant) is determined to follow in her father's footsteps. Unfortunately for Awa these desires are un-conventional and become dismissed when her ambitious father is able to secure her marriage to the King's son. Through this advantageous marriage Awa's father stands to gain military protection for all of his trade routes. As Princess of Mali Awa's chances of sailing across the desert, appear to sink beneath the sands as nothing more than figments of childhood fantasy. Unable to have any say in the matter the un-pretentious Awa is unsure of which path to take. Certain that her destiny should lay in her own hands Awa decides to run away. This coming of age novel reveals the voyage of a strong willed and determined girl who discovers her purpose along an uncharted path. Journey with Awa as she encounters experiences that will give her the constitution to be the woman that she is destined to be.