In The Dark Star of Itza: The Story of a Pagan Princess , Alida Malkus transports young readers to the vivid heart of 14th-century Chichen Itza through the eyes of Nicte, a spirited Mayan princess. Immersed in a world of ancient rituals, royal duties, and cultural grandeur, Nicte’s story unfolds against the backdrop of a civilization at its peak. With richly detailed illustrations by Lowell D. Houser and a narrative that blends historical authenticity with imaginative storytelling, this Newbery Honor classic offers a rare glimpse into pre-Columbian Mesoamerica—awakening curiosity about a lost world where tradition, faith, and power collide.