Ever wonder how California got its name? “Queen Khalifa and the Empire of XI” reveals a little-known tale that may or may not be actual historical events. The glorious Mali Empire of 1311, a realm of nearly unfathomable luxury, is revealed in this book. The seeds of a new era were sown by the visionary Mansa Abubakari II, who sailed across the Atlantic. His daughter, the magnificent Queen Khalifa, then built the empire’s legacy by leading her people to even greater heights. Her impact was so great that the West Coast was called California in her honour by Spanish explorers upon their arrival. There’s more to this than a dry history lesson.

The narrative is told from the perspective of Nalo, a middle school student who learns about this amazing history from her family’s storyteller. From the Brazilian coast to North America, it is a story of adventure, legacy, and the indestructible ties that bind cultures together. It reminds us that some truths are too powerful to stay buried forever. What makes this story so compelling is the way it’s told. You’ll see this hidden history unfold through three different perspectives: a curious youngster discovering her origins, an ancient storyteller guarding the truth, and visionary leaders who lived it. This is more than just a collection of events; it’s a real, breathing story of connection and resilience. It demonstrates how a legacy of wisdom and love, conveyed from the heart of the Mali Empire, left an indelible impact on the Americas, waiting for us to recognize it.