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Akata Witch

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Witch

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

349

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor follows Sunny Nwazue, a 12-year-old American-born Nigerian girl with albinism, as she uncovers her identity within a magical community. With her friends Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha, she explores her newfound abilities and a hidden world, while confronting dangers, including a serial killer and an ancient evil entity. Depictions of violence and a serial killer may be distressing for some readers.

Fantastical

Adventurous

Mysterious

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

40,136 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Nnedi Okorafor's Akata Witch receives high praise for its colorful world-building, originality, and strong, relatable protagonist. The fusion of Nigerian culture with fantasy elements appeals to many, though some find the pacing uneven and character development lacking depth at times. Overall, it’s celebrated for its fresh take on young adult fantasy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Akata Witch?

Readers who enjoy Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor are typically fans of fantasy and magical realism with diverse cultural settings. Comparable to the audiences of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, they appreciate young protagonists discovering hidden worlds and their own extraordinary abilities.

4.3

40,136 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Sunny Nwazue

A 12-year-old girl with albinism who feels out of place due to her American upbringing and Nigerian heritage, but discovers her identity as a Leopard Person with magical abilities while navigating challenges at home and school.

A slightly older boy and friend of Sunny's, known for his strong sense of responsibility and natural ability to undo bad juju, who often acts as a peacemaker and mediator in tense situations.

A bold and outspoken girl with a photographic memory, Chichi is a member of Sunny's close-knit group of friends, known for her trickster personality and efforts to help Sunny understand her Leopard Person heritage.

A Black American boy from Chicago, characterized by his bright, quick-thinking nature and fierce loyalty, who often emphasizes individualism over group norms and challenges traditional expectations.

Book Details
Pages

349

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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