Fabulous Reads: Teen superhero novel packs a punch
Book review - Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu
Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun, Tolá Okogwu, Jonathan Ball Publishers, ISBN: 9781398505087
GET ready for a heartwarming coming-of-age story mixed with some superhero vibes. Think X-Men meets Black Panther.
Onyeka has never had a ‘normal’ childhood. With an overprotective mom and a missing dad, life has been pretty tough for her. Not to mention the endless struggles and embarrassment with her seemingly unruly hair. However, things become even more complicated when she discovers that she has super powers that are linked to her hair – and her powers aren’t the only thing her mother has been keeping secret.
Unfortunately, the powers have some side effects, and so Mom and daughter set off to their home country, Nigeria – desperately hoping to track down her father and find some answers. As Onyeka learns to control her powers, her relationship with her hair improves. She ends up learning that the one thing she thought was her greatest weakness is actually her biggest strength.
Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun is the first book in this brand new teen series, and so, the first few chapters can feel a bit slow as author, Tolá Okogwu dedicates some time to character and world-building. And while the book does not offer anything new or innovative, I still found the book a captivating, fun and an easy read with wonderfully endearing characters.
The struggles and discrimination relating to ethnic hair have only in recent years been highlighted in the media. It is a topic that needs more discussion, and I love how Okogwu used this story to share a powerful and positive message about natural, ethnic hair. It is all about accepting and loving oneself. Additionally, the book also aims to show that the traditional idea of ‘family’ is not the only kind of healthy, functional family system.
It was no surprise that the first instalment ended on a cliffhanger. It was, however, a bit of a disappointment that the ending felt a bit fumbled and unrealistic – with some questionable and predictable aspects. At the end of the day, this is a teen novel, and I am nonetheless keen to see what happens in the next instalment. – Mariclair Smit – 3/ 5 stars
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