I think if a story has a message it should be incidental and accidental, otherwise it leans too close to indoctrination.
Karen LordA little story is supported by a lot of untold backstory. What they get is more than what they see.
Karen LordNames are very important for humans, aren't they? How do I translate for you the name of this town as it seems to me, the true name that tells of its history and people and lands and weather and . . . everything?
Karen Lord