Ikenga - Paperback

by Nnedi Okorafor (Author)

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.

Author Biography

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.