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Ikenga
2020
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Publishers Weekly Review
A year after his father--respected police chief of Nigerian suburb Kaleria--is murdered and 12-year-old Nnamdi and his mother fall into difficult circumstances, the boy encounters his dad's ghost. The spirit gives him an Ikenga, an ebony figurine that can transform Nnamdi into an enormous space-black figure with immense strength and superhuman senses. Through this alter ego, soon dubbed The Man and called out by the new police chief for embracing vigilante justice, the boy takes on Kaleria's most nefarious criminals, including the feared Chief of Chiefs, whom Nnamdi believes is responsible for his father's death. The powers also ignite equally powerful feelings that Nnamdi struggles to control. Blending Nigerian culture and American comics, Okorafor (the Akata series) has created a black hero struggling to work toward justice while navigating inequitable power structures and others' definitions of who he is. Details, including Igbo phrases, villain names (Three Days Journey, Mama Go-Slow), and food descriptions, evoke a vivid sense of place amid the story's recognizable beats. Fans of classic superheroes--including Nnamdi's favorite, the Incredible Hulk--and readers looking for a young superhero will find a champion in Nnamdi. Ages 10--up. Agent: Donald Maass, Donald Maass Literary. (Aug.)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--8--Fans of Okorafor's "Akata" series will enjoy the author's middle grade debut, introducing her work to a new set of readers. When 12-year-old Nnamdi Icheteka's father is murdered, this Nigerian boy draws on the powers of his ancestors and an ancient magic to cope with his loss and deal with the growing criminal underground threatening to take over his hometown of Kaleria. This wonderfully fresh superhero origin story offers a look into the shadowy, inexplicable powers that are suddenly in the hands of an ordinary child. Through the strength bestowed upon him by the Igbo symbol of an Ikenga, Nnamdi transforms into an otherworldly force as he metaphorically deals with the big emotions of grief and tries to solve the mystery of who killed his father. While the themes of good vs. evil and vigilante justice will seem familiar, Okorafor has created unique, multifaceted characters that will have young readers hoping for Nnamdi's next adventure. VERDICT Though violent at times, this fantasy novel will surely appeal to comic-book lovers and mystery-seekers alike, and would be an asset to any library.--Monisha Blair, Rutgers Univ., NJ
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