Born on the Mongolian steppes during the reign of Kublai Khan, Oyuna's future seems decided when, as an infant, her foot is crushed by a horse. Her clan believes she has been cursed by bad luck, and she is confined to her family's tent to cook and sew. But Oyuna dreams of bringing honor and good luck to her family. Disguised as a boy and with only her beloved old mare and heroic cat for company, she sets off on a journey--a journey that will change her luck forever.

In her debut novel, talented new author Diane Lee Wilson--chosen as one of Publishers Weekly's Flying Starts for 1998--spins an inspired tale of courage, faith, and determination.

00-01 Young Hoosier Book Award Masterlist (Grds 6-8) and 01 AZ Young Reader Award Masterlist (Teen Bks cat.)