This middle-grade novel set in Nigeria covers some pretty heavy topics. Twelve-year-old Nnamdi is dealing with the murder of his father, who was the chief of police. Nnamdi is sad and misses his father, but he also wants justice. After a run-in with a mysterious man who presents a powerful gift, Nnamdi finds himself in a position to finally make a difference. But just because Nnamdi has power, it doesn’t mean he knows what to do with it.
I’ve read both Akata Witch and Binti and enjoyed them both, so I was excited to dive into this new story. One thing I enjoy about Nnedi Okorafor’s books is that they expose me to cultures and worldviews that I am not familiar with, but they do so within a fantasy or sci-fi framework. Many of the characters say, do, think, or react in ways that are markedly different from my own experiences as a white middle-class American. I believe it’s important to see these differences on the page because they serve as a reminder that “different” doesn’t mean “wrong” or bad”.
I’ve read both Akata Witch and Binti and enjoyed them both, so I was excited to dive into this new story. One thing I enjoy about Nnedi Okorafor’s books is that they expose me to cultures and worldviews that I am not familiar with, but they do so within a fantasy or sci-fi framework. Many of the characters say, do, think, or react in ways that are markedly different from my own experiences as a white middle-class American. I believe it’s important to see these differences on the page because they serve as a reminder that “different” doesn’t mean “wrong” or bad”.