To wrap up Reading Africa Week, Nigerian author Ayò Oyeku takes us to Ghana, The Gambia and into fantasy worlds inspired by African and Caribbean mythology.

by Ayò Oyeku

Kwame Crashes the Underworld

Nothing grabs the attention of a reader like a book with a riveting title and a stunning cover. This is true about this amazing middle grade fantasy, which also happens to be the author’s debut. The story is told of a twelve-year-old boy, Kwame Powell, who struggles to come to terms with the loss of his dear grandmother. He wishes he could bring her back. This wish becomes an idea tickling his belly. Kwame is set to do everything possible, but then he is sucked into a magical whirlpool that transports him into Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld.

This attention-grabbing work of fiction takes us on a journey filled with huffs and puffs. It also introduces readers to the vibrant African nation of Ghana, along with her myths, legends and spirituality. And if you are a lover of descriptive fiction, Kofi Craig Farmer uses this creative element not only to bring the underworld to life but also to expand the imagination of readers. This book is not just another fantasy, it’s a coming-of-age novel that helps Kwame face his fears and also learn the truth about his culture and heritage. In an era where world-building is of much importance in middle grade and young adult fiction, it’s impressive to see a world-like-no-other being built from the mind of this up-and-coming US writer of African descent.

Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka

Thrills, sighs and goose bumps aptly summarize this fantastic work of fiction that’s part of the Ninki Nanka Chronicles series. It’s summer and Yomi and her younger brother are spending the holiday with their Uncle Olu who lives in The Gambia. Their lives take a sudden twist when Yomi encounters Ninki Nanka, a mythical creature from West African folklore, but things fall apart when Ninki Nanka snatches her brother away. Yomi refuses to let go and embarks on a quest to rescue him.

It’s beautiful to see children ages 8 to 10 being introduced to West African mythology through fiction. Davina Tijani weaves a fast-paced and thrilling story that connects with the past, blends with the present, and imagines the future. On the surface, readers are drawn into a battle against legendary creatures and self-discovery, but beneath we have a story about the ties that bind us together—where family relationships are woven into a force that can crush every form of challenges that may come our way.

The Boy to Beat the Gods

The title of this book is a testament to the power of curiosity: how can we not be intrigued about these gods, the boy and how he beat them. Ashley Thorpe tells the story of a curious boy, Kayode, who desires to gain supernatural powers by eating the forbidden fruit of the baobab tree, the source of power for the Orishas, the gods in Yoruba tradition. A modicum of desire soon becomes a big choice when he stumbles across the fruit. He is left with no choice but to eat the fruit in order to gain the superpowers he needs to fight the Orishas who snatched his sister.

This story is largely influenced by African and Caribbean culture, giving readers a taste of both worlds. Here again, we are not only lured into an adventurous world wrapped in mythical fantasy, but shown an example of bravery and defiance against overwhelming odds. This story isn’t just about superpowers, it’s about identity. When children embrace their identity, they unlock their superpowers.

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