1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Okorafor, Nnedi. 2017. AKATA WITCH (NSIBIDI SCRIPTS, BOOK 1). Badaki, Yetide (Narrator). New York: Speak. ISBN 978-0-399-16030-1.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Sunny Nwazue is a 12 year old Nigerian girl who is albino. She appears to be different from everyone around her, but she soon finds kindred spirits. Her friends, Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha guide her into the discovery of her magical identity and the powers that are available to her. The friends create a supernatural coven that tries to stop a violent killer in their community, while also figuring out the ordinary challenges of adolescence.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is fascinating. It is full of interesting Nigerian cultural references, and imaginative supernatural elements. The mystical elements of shape shifting, healing, and spells seem to correspond naturally with the background of African tribal culture. Juju is a common element in the Leopard community, which is the name for those blessed with supernatural powers.
The severity of the violence is a little unnerving. The antagonist in this story is a serial killer, whose victims are all children, under the age of 16. The children are murdered, and also maimed. The presence of this evil is neither the focus of the story, nor is it described in detail. However, it seems like violence of that nature could be disturbing for younger adolescent readers. It was for me.
Okorafor includes descriptive details for her adolescent readers to enjoy. For example, Sunny’s interest and play in soccer is relatable to many youths. Whether it is remarking that Sunny drinks Fanta soda with her okra soup or the commentary on the magical bird’s big “pile of poo,” Okorafor includes details to relate and entertain her intended young audience.
Overall, the storyline focuses on the discovery of the characters’ magical powers and the introduction of the Leopard community. There is not a traditional, straight plot line, with a central conflict and resolution.
4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist, May 2011: “Okorafor’s high-spirited characters, sly humor, archetypal themes, and inventive reworking of coming-of-age journeys will leave readers eager for this series starter’s planned sequels.”
Horn Book Magazine, May 2011
Kirkus Reviews, March 2011
Library Media Connection, October 2011
Publishers Weekly, February 2011: “Although a bit slow getting started, this tale is filled with marvels and is sure to appeal to teens whose interest in fantasy goes beyond dwarves and fairies.”
School Library Journal, June 2011
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), June 2011
5. CONNECTIONS
*Other contemporary African novels are Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor, City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson, or The bitter side of sweet by Tara Sullivan. Although they are fiction, these books could offer insightful cultural perspectives.
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