African Book Week: Zahrah the Windseeker

Zahrah the Windseeker

Zahrah the Windseeker is young adult fantasy novel by Nigerian American writer Nnedi Okorafor, published in September 2005. It incorporates myths and folklore and culture of West Africa. It is the winner of the 2008 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa. Okorafor was born in the United States to two Nigerian (Igbo) parents.

Plot introduction

In the northern Ooni Kingdom, fear of the unknown runs deep, and children born dada are rumored to have special powers. Thirteen-year-old Zahrah Tsami feels like a normal girl, she grows her own floral computer, has mirrors sewn onto her clothes, and stays clear of the Forbidden Greeny Jungle. But unlike other children in the village of Kirki, Zahrah was born with the telling dadalocks. Only her best friend, Dari, isn't afraid of her, even when something unusual begins happening—something that definitely makes Zahrah different. The two friends determine to investigate, edging closer and closer to danger. When Dari's life is threatened, Zahrah must face her worst fears alone, including the very thing that makes her different.

References

·  Silverman, Karyn N. (December 2005). "Zahrah the Windseeker". School Library Journal. 51 (12): 151.

·  ·  "Previous Winners". The Lumina Foundation, Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa. Retrieved 18 December 2013.

·  ·  "Zahrah the Windseeker". Kirkus Reviews. 73 (17): 980. 1 September 2005.

·  ·  Cabell, Arphelia K. (Jan–Feb 2006). "Zahrah the Windseeker". Black Issues Book Review. 8 (1): 61.

·  Mattson, Jennifer (15 November 2005). "Zahrah the Windseeker". Booklist. 102 (6): 60.