The Prophet Calls

Riveting and intriguing, The Prophet Calls is an unforgettable coming-of-age story. - Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

Readers will love Gentry Forrester--a brave girl who questions the world around her and finds her own answers. A fantastic debut by Melanie Sumrow. - Erin Entrada Kelly, 2018 Newbery Medal Winner

Sumrow crafts a captivating and memorable story with a protagonist who ultimately makes a harrowing, courageous decision. - Booklist

While this setting may be unfamiliar to many readers, young people will relate to adolescents natural yearnings to exert independence and their need to question adults wisdom and authority in all matters. - School Library Journal

Gentry is a protagonist you cant help but cheer for, and her journey from fear to doubt to empowerment is powerful, affecting and not to be missed. - BookPage

Gentry Forrester feels lucky to live among Gods chosen people in the Prophets compound, but when music is outlawed, Gentry and her older brother, Tanner, sneak out of the community. When they return, all bets are off as the Prophet exercises his control.

Born into a polygamous community in the foothills of New Mexico, Gentry Forrester feels lucky to live among Gods chosen, apart from the outside world and its evils.

On her thirteenth birthday, Gentry receives a new violin from her father and, more than anything, she wants to play at the Santa Fe Music Festival with her brother, Tanner. But then the Prophet calls from prison and announces he has outlawed music in their community and now forbids women to leave.

Determined to play, Gentry and Tanner sneak out. But once they return, the Prophet exercises control from prison, and it has devastating consequences for Gentry and her family. Soon, everything Gentry has known is turned upside down. She begins to question the Prophets teachings and his revelations, especially when his latest orders put Gentrys family in danger. Can Gentry find a way to protect herself and her family from the Prophet and escape the only life shes ever known?

This realistic, powerful story of family, bravery, and following your dreams is a cant-miss debut novel from Melanie Sumrow.