Ikenga

Ikenga
Nnedi Okorafor
Viking/Penguin, 2020 227 pages
Grades 4-7
Fantasy/Mystery

Twelve-year-old Nnamdi's father, the police chief of their Nigerian town, is murdered. But by whom? Nnamdi and his mother feel completely lost and bereft, especially as a new police chief is immediately installed in Dad's old office. The funeral is very strange, as some of the area’s most notorious criminals come by to pay their respects. Which one of them is responsible for the murder? Nnamdi wants to sniff out the culprit, but how can a mere boy fight hardened criminals? Dad's ghost comes to the rescue by presenting Nnamdi with a magical Ikenga, a statue holding magical powers. The Ikenga turns our hero to an enormous man who can fight the bad guys and is taken seriously. Now that Nnamdi has virtually superhero powers, he works with his best friend Chioma to discover the responsible party for Dad’s death. Even though the powers require a learning curve and Nnamdi also struggles with keeping his temper in check, he manages to track down several suspects, all while putting some bad guys out of business. Meanwhile, Mom starts dating a new guy. Could he be the murderer? Eventually the perpetrator is identified and justice is served, all thanks to the bravery and strength of Nnamdi aka "The Man".

Debut author Okoafor offers something very different in middle grade literature. It is unusual to read a novel for children set in modern day Nigeria and readers will learn about a different culture, all while enjoying the action of the superhero story. Nnamdi transforms into a superhero and, although he struggles controlling his alter-ego, brings about justice in an unfair world. Many readers will wish that they can be given an Ikenga as well to fix the injustices in their own lives and gain control over that which they lack. Boys, especially, will enjoy the non-stop action and superhero tropes. I especially loved the names of the villains and their quirky personalities, straight out of an episode of Batman. The mystery surrounding Dad's death offers a few red-herrings and surprises. It is resolved in a satisfying manner, which will leave readers breathing a sigh of relief. A fresh take and setting on classic superheroes, Ikenga will find an audience, especially among Black Panther fans. The ending leaves room for a possible sequel, so, perhaps, Nnamdi and Chioma will return for another adventure.