Zillah's Gift — Lois West Duffy

Zillah is an orphan in ancient Persia living in a caravan serai--a safe haven for desert travelers. Other children taunt her because of a birth-mark on her face and strangers think it is the sign of a curse. Her future is grim until a royal caravan comes to the serai, following a wondrous star. Zillah has seen that star, though it is invisible to those around her.

Through a series of amazing events, Zillah embarks on an adventure, full of danger, trying to protect her most precious secret.