The Hidden Star

"With evocatively descriptive prose and a trio of strong protagonists along with a secondary cast of unique personalities (such as Rotten Nellie, the class bully, or MaMtonga, the terrifying witch next door), Duiker beautifully captures a corner of South Africa (the main characters are black). With strong elements of magical realism, the novel is both charming and whimsical with several heart-thumping moments that make it difficult to put down. At its core, this posthumously published South African import is a heartwarming story about friendship and persistence."
Kirkus - Starred Review, 18 March 2018

"The novel's lighthearted tone, occasionally interrupted by terrifying creatures, makes for a pleasurable fantasy story with a strong nod to mythology. Readers will warm to Nolitye and her relatable run-ins with the school bully and will delight at the quirky details of Duiker's magic in an otherwise realistic setting. VERDICT A satisfying fantasy story in a place not often represented in the genre. Recommended for most middle grade collections where fantasy is popular."

"In this enjoyable middle-grade novel, Duiker successfully manages to blend traditional South African folklore with township life, which gives the whole book a modern flair...And while magic has suffused every element of the story, from the plot to the setting, where Duiker shines most is when he highlights the magic of friendship and found family. A wonderful tale for any fan of fantasy adventures."