Ikenga
on Goodreads (1,935)
What’s inside...
An NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR and an AMAZON BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2020, Nnedi Okorafor's acclaimed first novel for middle grade readers introduces Nnamdi, a boy who can access super powers with the help of the magical Ikenga. Nnamdi's father, a good chief of police, was murdered, and Nnamdi vows to avenge his death armed with newfound powers from a mysterious magical object. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Nigeria, award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor introduces a new hero battling to control his powers and fulfill his mission.
Age
10-12
Length
229 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nnamdi
Ify
Chioma
Nnamdi Icheteka
Discussion points
How do you think Nnamdi feels when he discovers the Ikenga, and how would you feel in his situation?
What are some ways Nnamdi changes throughout the story, and what do you think are the biggest lessons he learns?
How does the setting of the story influence the events that unfold? Can you imagine the story happening somewhere else?
Why is it important for Nnamdi to remember his father, and how does this memory impact his choices?
If you had an object with special powers like the Ikenga, how would you use it and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they relate to Nnamdi’s emotions and decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of the character’s experiences.
Highlight the cultural aspects of the story. Discuss the significance of the setting in Nigeria, and explore any cultural references together to expand global awareness.
Discuss the concept of justice and responsibility as portrayed in the book, guiding the conversation towards understanding the complexities of right and wrong.
Prompt your child to think critically about the supernatural elements of the story, questioning how these elements drive the plot and influence the characters.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of perseverance and courage in overcoming challenges, relating these themes to personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of justice
Explanation: In 'Ikenga', the protagonist, Nnamdi, uses supernatural gifts to fight crime in his Nigerian town, mirroring his late father's role as a police chief. The narrative emphasizes the value of seeking justice and addressing wrongdoing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of fairness and the role they can play in maintaining it in their communities, such as standing up against bullying or helping others in need.
Example Lesson: Dealing with grief
Explanation: Nnamdi’s journey includes coping with the loss of his father. The story carefully handles the theme of grief, demonstrating that it is a complex and personal process.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand their emotions and find constructive ways to deal with loss, such as talking about their feelings with trusted individuals or using creative outlets like drawing or writing.
Example Lesson: Personal responsibility
Explanation: As Nnamdi navigates his powers, he learns about the responsibilities that come with them. The story highlights that with great power comes great responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own lives by understanding the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, such as doing their homework, being kind to siblings, or owning up to mistakes.
Example Lesson: The danger of revenge
Explanation: Nnamdi’s initial motivation is avenging his father's death, which leads him down a perilous path. The book teaches that seeking vengeance can have dangerous consequences.
Real-World Application: This can be a vital lesson for children in learning to handle feelings of anger or betrayal in healthier ways, like seeking support from adults or practicing forgiveness.
Example Lesson: The power of community
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nnamdi learns the importance of community support, and that seeking help and cooperation can create better outcomes than working alone.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value teamwork and community involvement, whether it's participating in group activities, helping neighbors, or contributing to local events.