Book excerpt: Born on Earth but orphaned as a baby, Maya grew up in the Land of the Clouds under the kind, watchful eye of her adoptive aunt. Although Maya loves the slow, majestic beauty of her home, she is restless, haunted by memories of the fateful day when strange people came after her parents-the same day she was brought up to the Land. Now, convinced she is the hero predicted by an ancient prophecy, eleven-year-old Maya runs away to Earth, embarking on a dangerous, time-traveling adventure to explore the planet and learn about her parents, herself, and her destiny.