Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun - by Tolá Okogwu

About the Book

When twelve-year-old Onyeka discovers that she has psychokinetic powers, her mother reveals that she is Solari, part of a secret group of Nigerian mutants that trains at the Academy of the Sun.

Book Synopsis

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...

Review Quotes

"An empowering blend of action and mystery, featuring superpowered showdowns, lovable characters, and jaw-dropping twists. Kept me flying through the pages!" --Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

"Fast-paced, action-packed and empowering. Tolá Okogwu's storytelling shines so bright you'll want the next instalment immediately."--A. F. Steadman, New York Times bestselling author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

"Onyeka is the empowered and electric heroine we've been waiting for. Perfect for fans of Marvel and magic."--Alex Aster, New York Times bestselling author of the Emblem Island series

"Excitement and adventure abound, it's the book I would've wished for as a kid."--Namina Forna, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones

"In Okogwu's vividly created Nigerian world, technology and an exploration of emotional internality interplay with a child's literalized relationship with her hair, making for an enjoyable X-Men-leaning series starter."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Okogwu has created an exciting fantasy with Nigerian culture and customs woven into the plot to create excellent world building with interesting characters. A story of a young girl's journey to self-acceptance, this title will leave readers on the edge of their seats in anticipation for the next part in this new series."-- "Booklist"

"Onyeka is a force: a bold, courageous, and whipsmart protagonist for a new paradigm. Okogwu crafts a world where kids like Onyeka can really find their voice in this must-read debut fantasy." --Louisa Onomé, author of Like Home and Twice As Perfect

"A delightful blend of adventure, heart, and Afrofuturism."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Tọlá Okogwu is a British-Nigerian author, journalist and hair care educator. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, but raised in London, England, she holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism. Having spent several years exploring the world of blogging, hair care and freelance writing, she finally returned to her first love: fiction. She is the author of the Onyeka fiction series, including the World Book Day novella, Onyeka and the Secret Superhero, the Daddy Do My Hair? picture book series, and the Aziza's Secret Fairy Door young fiction series under the pen name Lola Morayo. Tọlá now lives in Kent with her husband and two daughters. An avid reader and lover of music, she's also a sucker for melted cheese. Learn more at tolaokogwu.com