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Nnedi Okorafor's acclaimed first novel for middle grade readers introduces a boy who can access super powers with the help of the magical Ikenga. Nnamdi's father was a good chief of police, perhaps the best Kalaria had ever had. He was determined to root out the criminals that had invaded the town. But then he was murdered, and most people believed the Chief of Chiefs, most powerful of the criminals, was responsible. Nnamdi has vowed to avenge his father, but he wonders what a twelve-year-old boy can do. Until a mysterious nighttime meeting, the gift of a magical object that enables super powers, and a charge to use those powers for good changes his life forever. How can he fulfill his mission? How will he learn to control his newfound powers? Award-winning Nnedi Okorafor, acclaimed for her Akata novels, introduces a new and engaging hero in her first novel for middle grade readers set against a richly textured background of contemporary Nigeria.
Reviews with the most likes.
I love Nnedi Okorafor so I was very excited to get an ARC of this.
I think this will appeal to a lot of young readers–I love the American pop culture references combined with the specificity of being grounded in Nigerian culture. However for me, I didn't love it the way I've loved some of her other works–but I'm not exactly the target audience. It's an enjoyable middle grade adventure and I think this will be great for some younger readers who have struggled to find books they can connect to.