In Amberland, only recognized citizens have access to Amber, the naturally occurring liquid that when consumed daily, gives people both improved health and enhanced abilities. The borders are tightly sealed and the few non-citizens invited to live and work in Amberland are at a disadvantage and not allowed to partake in Amber. With Amber becoming increasingly scarce, there is an outcry by some to preserve the remaining Amber and limit newcomers.

Mira and her family must navigate her role as invited outsider while they wait for their citizenship request to be approved. How will Mira respond when faced with the many types of inequity she witnesses as both an outsider and finally a new citizen?

While the magical aspect of Amber place this book in the genre of fantasy, the complex social justice concepts provide a powerful opportunity to reflect and discuss the issues of privilege, discrimination, immigration, and equal rights.