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Reviewed by:
  • Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor
  • Quinita Balderson
Okorafor, Nnedi Ikenga. Viking,
2020 [240p]
Trade ed. ISBN 9780593113523 $16.99
E-book ed. ISBN 9780593113547 $9.99
Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 5-8

After his father, the chief of police in Kalaria, Nigeria, was murdered, Nnamdi swore that he would get revenge against the Chief of Chiefs, the crime lord who reputedly killed him; however, a twelve-year-old boy is powerless against a syndicate kingpin, and a year passes without Nnamdi's following through on his promise. Then his father appears briefly to offer him an Ikenga, an object that transforms Nnamdi into a colossal, black-skinned Hulk-like superhero dubbed The Man. In true superhero fashion, when he begins seeking revenge on powerful criminals associated with the Chief of Chiefs, he's branded a nuisance by law enforcement, and some believe The Man is a local hero and others regard him as a vigilante. While his intentions are valiant, when the Ikenga impairs his ability to control his own rage, Nnamdi must examine whether he is worthy of such power. This is a dynamic tale of a boy thrust into the role of a superhero, who must navigate his new gift while controlling his emotions and staying focused on fulfilling his father's mission for Kalaria. Balancing his own desires with the well-being of the city would be a challenge for any superhero, but especially for Nnamdi, who at heart is still a child. A rich Igbo cultural presence prevails in this novel, sparking an interest for more Nigerian-based stories. Thankfully, the ending alludes to a follow-up, and the villain remains at large for more superheroic pursuit.

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