Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

Onyeka

De: Tolá Okogwu

Narrado por: Nneka Okoye

NAMED A 2023 ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN’S RECORDING!

Black Panther meets X-Men in this “fast-paced, action-packed, and empowering” (A. F. Steadman, New York Times bestselling author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief) middle grade adventure about a British Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers—perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, The Marvellers, and Rick Riordan!

Onyeka has a lot of hair­—the kind that makes strangers stop in the street and her peers whisper behind her back. At least she has Cheyenne, her best friend, who couldn’t care less what other people think. Still, Onyeka has always felt insecure about her vibrant curls…until the day Cheyenne almost drowns and Onyeka’s hair takes on a life of its own, inexplicably pulling Cheyenne from the water.

At home, Onyeka’s mother tells her the shocking truth: Onyeka’s psychokinetic powers make her a Solari, one of a secret group of people with superpowers unique to Nigeria. Her mother quickly whisks her off to the Academy of the Sun, a school in Nigeria where Solari are trained. But Onyeka and her new friends at the academy soon have to put their powers to the test as they find themselves embroiled in a momentous battle between truth and lies…

©2022 Tọlá Okogwu. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK. All rights reserved.

Great Story All Around!

The way the reader said the dialogue, and how the story was portrayed, this book is great for all ages!

5 stars

I wanted to give it 5-5 last time the book was absolutely amazing loved it

I loved it!!!

I'm gonna buy the next one right now! The narrator was absolutely brilliant. as a female who has type 4a/b/c hair I always got it flat ironed or hot combed because wearing my hair natural seemed like such a taboo. Even professional hairstylist would try to convince me to get a relaxer or a texturizer. I wish I had this book growing up.

Power in the hair

I love the reading this book that puts black culture at the center of it for young readers. This female protagonist to get to know her power. It’s fun to watch grow throughout the book. This is definitely something that middle grade readers should experience.

One of the best children’s books I’ve read in a long time!

I loved everything about this book. So heart felt, and interesting. It takes a while for the action to pick up, but when it does, it holds your attention.

Your power is waiting…

Honestly this book was a perfect blend of action packed and a road to self-discovery. It encourages us to know that the very thing that we think are our flaws is the very thing that makes us YOUNIQUE! Can’t wait for book 2!!!

Captivating and adventure at every page turn

My sons and I thoroughly enjoyed following Oneyka and her friends through this entire journey! They wanted to listen at home, in the car, during dinner, and before bed. The narration is incredible and the story line had us all hooked from chapter 1 in book 1 to the very end of book 2 which we immediately purchased! Highly recommended!

Excellent Storytelling

I enjoyed the story, the purposed cultural context and references. The language of love toward hair, mother daughter relationships, and the unique gifts. The attachment of one present parent and how she protects her child to the best of her abilities. Excellent storytelling and I want more from this author!