Saaksi doesn't know that she is a changeling child. She has no recollection of her life among the Folk, when her name was Moql and she was banished for being half-human. But from her cradle days onward, she is aware of her own discomfort in the world, and the discomfort of others around her. Saaksi's human parents, unaware their birth daughter was stolen as a baby, are somewhat uncertain as to why their child is so unusual, so difficult to understand, but they love her, though sometimes, Saaksi realizes, with heavy hearts. Only Old Bess, Saaksi's grandmother, has always suspected the truth, but as Saaksi grows Bess exchanges her suspicion and fear for love of this sensitive, resilient child. Saaksi is often a target for the taunts of village children, and, later, when sickness comes to the village, for the fears of their parents as well. It is then that Saaksi makes a choice that will change her life forever in a pointed, bittersweet but satisfying story about tolerance and finding one's place in the world, and in the hearts of others. (Ages 9-12)

This enchanting Newbery Honor Book is a “magical find” (School Library Journal).

Half moorfolk and half human, and unable to shape-shift or disappear at will, Moql threatens the safety of the Band. So the Folk banish her and send her to live among humans as a changeling. Named Saaski by the couple for whose real baby she was swapped, she grows up taunted and feared by the villagers for being different, and is comfortable only on the moor, playing strange music on her bagpipes.

As Saaski grows up, memories from her forgotten past with the Folks slowly emerge. But so do emotions from her human side, and she begins to realize the terrible wrong the Folk have done to the humans she calls Da and Mumma. She is determined to restore their child to them, even if it means a dangerous return to the world that has already rejected her once.