Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun: A superhero adventure perfect for Marvel and DC fans!

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu is an action-packed middle-grade fantasy about a British-Nigerian girl who discovers that her Afro hair has extraordinary psychokinetic powers. When Onyeka's abilities emerge during a frightening incident at a swimming pool, her mother reveals that she is a Solari, one of a group of people with superpowers connected to Nigeria. Onyeka is taken to the Academy of the Sun, a school where young Solari learn to control their abilities. But as Onyeka makes friends and discovers more about her powers, she becomes caught up in a dangerous battle that could change the future of all Solari.

Recommended age: 8–12 years

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy, Superheroes, Science Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Friendship, Afrofuturism

Why children will enjoy it:

• An exciting superhero adventure with unusual powers and high-stakes action
• A magical school setting filled with new friends, challenges and secrets
• A relatable heroine learning to understand and embrace her identity
• Nigerian culture and settings woven into an imaginative fantasy world
• Explores friendship, family, courage, belonging and self-acceptance
• A great choice for readers who enjoy superhero stories and fast-paced fantasy

Read-alikes: Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston, The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton, Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Series note: This is Book 1 in the Onyeka series, followed by Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels and Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn.

Borrow from BookJoy Library: Discover an empowering superhero adventure with BookJoy Library. Members can borrow this book from our curated children's collection near Kanakapura Main Road, Bangalore, or enjoy book delivery across Bangalore through our membership plans.