Akata Witch is a series of young adult fantasy novels written by Nnedi Okorafor. The series follows the story of Sunny Nwazue, a twelve-year-old Nigerian-American girl with albinism who discovers she has magical powers. Set in Nigeria, the books explore themes of identity, culture, and the power of teamwork. The first book in the series, also titled Akata Witch, introduces Sunny as she learns about the hidden world of the Leopard People, a society of magical practitioners. With the help of her new friends Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha, Sunny begins to learn about her own abilities and her place in this magical world. Together, they embark on a quest to stop a dangerous and powerful serial killer.
Together, they embark on a quest to stop a dangerous and powerful serial killer. The second book, titled Akata Warrior, continues Sunny's story as she becomes more skilled in her magical abilities. She and her friends must face a new threat, the Ekwensu, and embark on a dangerous journey to save their community.
Akata Witch
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Affectionately dubbed "the Nigerian Harry Potter," Akata Witch weaves together a heart-pounding tale of magic, mystery, and finding one's place in the world. Sunny Nwazue lives in Nigeria, but she was born in New York City. Her features are West African, but she's albino. She's a terrific athlete, but can't go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing—she is a "free agent" with latent magical power. And she has a lot of catching up to do.
Soon she's part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. But as she's finding her footing, Sunny and her friends are asked by the magical authorities to help track down a career criminal who knows magic, too. Will their training be enough to help them combat a threat whose powers greatly outnumber theirs? World Fantasy Award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor blends magic and adventure to create a lush world.
Museum Story
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. Established by an Act of Congress in 2003, it is the culmination of decades of efforts to establish a national museum that promotes and highlights the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected close to 37,000 objects.
Its newest exhibition, Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures, explores the past, present, and future of this dynamic concept that features the various people, unique themes and radical artistry that have given voice to it.
Details
- Paperback
- 384 pages
- Ages 12 and up; Grades 7 and up
- 8.56" x 5.5"
- Written by Nnedi Okorafor
Now, I’m not Nigerian, nor am I albino, but as a light-skinned biracial Black girl raised in a predominately white area, I grew up surrounded by people who didn’t look like me and who went out of their way to point that out as often as possible. And as much as I wish I had Sunny Nwazue when I was a tween, it’s thrilling to think about all those kids who get to have her now. If we adults do our jobs right and promote Sunny as much as we do Harry, there will be a whole generation of kids who will grow up with the memory of Sunny breaking free of the chains of the patriarchy and defining herself on her own terms. Every teenager has felt in between at some point in their life, but not everyone knows what to do about it. Sunny shows them (especially Black girls) that they don’t have to be beholden to what society wants, that they can make their own way, even if adults don’t necessarily agree with their choices.
Along the way, they encounter mythical creatures, ancient spirits, and learn more about the rich history and traditions of the Leopard People. The Akata Witch series has been praised for its diverse and complex characters, as well as its vivid setting in Nigeria. Okorafor's writing is known for its imaginative storytelling and exploration of African mythology and folklore. Through the character of Sunny, readers are introduced to Nigerian culture and traditions, providing a unique and refreshing perspective in the fantasy genre. The series has garnered a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for its themes of empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery. It has been described as a modern-day Harry Potter with a Nigerian twist, appealing to both young adult and adult readers alike. The books have also been recognized with several awards and nominations, further cementing their popularity and impact in the literary world. In conclusion, the Akata Witch books are a captivating and culturally rich series that explores themes of magic, friendship, and identity. Nnedi Okorafor's imaginative storytelling and well-developed characters make these books a must-read for fans of fantasy and those interested in diverse and underrepresented voices in literature..
Reviews for "Review: Why Akata Witch Books Deserve a Spot on Your Bookshelf"
1. Jennifer - 2/5 - I had high hopes for the Akata Witch books after hearing so many positive reviews, but I was ultimately disappointed. The story felt disjointed and rushed, with underdeveloped characters and a weak plot. The magic system also lacked depth and explanation, making it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the world. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and not as engaging as I had anticipated.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I really struggled to get through the Akata Witch books. The writing style felt amateur, with clunky dialogue and awkward descriptions. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked complexity, making it hard for me to relate to or care about their journey. Additionally, I found the plot predictable and cliché, with no real surprises or twists. Overall, I was thoroughly unimpressed with the series and wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Emily - 3/5 - While I didn't hate the Akata Witch books, I can't say that I loved them either. The writing style was engaging at times, but overall I found it lacking in depth and complexity. The characters were interesting, but I felt like I didn't get to know them well enough. The plot had potential, but it was executed in a way that left me wanting more. Overall, the series had its moments, but it fell short of my expectations.
4. Alex - 2/5 - The Akata Witch books were just not my cup of tea. I found the story to be confusing and hard to follow, with too many subplots that were not adequately resolved. The world-building felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me with a vague understanding of the magical elements. The characters lacked depth and felt like stereotypes, making it hard for me to fully invest in their journey. Overall, I didn't connect with the books and would not recommend them.