Ikenga

(Paperback)

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An NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR An AMAZON BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2020 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

An NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

An AMAZON BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2020

This wonderfully fresh superhero origin story offers a look into the shadowy, inexplicable powers that are suddenly in the hands of an ordinary childOkorafor has created unique, multifaceted characters that will have young readers hoping for Nnamdis next adventure.School Library Journal,STARRED REVIEW

"In her first middle-grade novel, Nnedi Okorafor deftly explores grief and corruption through this southeast Nigerian Igbo superhero origin story.With its enduring themes, charismatic characters and exhilarating events,Ikengapowerfully shows spiritual and fantastical elements confronting real-world problems."Shelf Awareness,STARRED REVIEW

"Ikenga, the powerhouse speculative fiction writer Nnedi Okorafor's middle grade debut, is a propulsive, juju-filled novel set in a fictional Nigerian town...Okorafor's narrative provides comfort precisely because she refuses to gloss over violence, loss and pain." The New York Times

"Smart, exciting and well plotted, Ikengaoffers all the traditional superhero satisfactionscolorful baddies, thrilling fight scenes, a hero with morality and justice on his sidein a fresh and distinctive modern-day setting where magic hums just below the surface."The Wall Street Journal

"Fans of classic superheroesincluding Nnamdis favorite, the Incredible Hulkand readers looking for a young superhero will find a champion in Nnamdi." Publishers Weekly

"A memorable middle-grade murder mystery thats darkly humorous in some places and delightfully creepy in others." Kirkus Reviews

"A tightly paced action-adventure." Booklist

"This is a dynamic tale of a boy thrust into the role of a superhero....A rich Igbo cultural presence prevails in this novel, sparking an interest for more Nigerian-based stories." BCCB

"A roller coaster of action...Okorafor succeeds in imbuing West African culture throughout the origin story of a memorable new superhero." Horn Book

Author Bio

Nnedi Okorafor is an international award-winning novelist of science fiction and fantasy for children and adults. Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, Nnedi is known for weaving African culture into evocative settings and memorable characters. Nnedi has received the World Fantasy, Hugo, Nebula, and Lodestar Awards, amongst others, for her books. Her fans include Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, John Green, and Ursula K. Le Guin. She holds a PhD in Literature and lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her daughter Anyaugo.