Mayowa and the Sea of Words (Mayowa and the Sea of Words #1)

In this gleeful children’s debut from Onuzo (Sankofa, for adults), propulsive chapters follow a brave and endearing tween who must use her newfound magical abilities to stop a power-hungry politician from hurting others. British Nigerian 10-year-old Mayowa is spending the summer in London with Grandpa Edward when she learns about a secret family gift: the ability to literally jump on books, harness the emotions within them, and channel them into people. As she hones her skills, she keeps the training secret from newcomer Hamza, a boy Mayowa’s age who, having fled his war-torn home, Wahatan, lives on Grandpa Edward’s estate. Initially believing that no one outside her family can book-jump, Mayowa is shocked to realize that David Hayward, a bigoted member of Parliament, has been channeling emotions, seeking to persuade constituents to vote for a bill that will criminalize the rescue of refugees in the U.K. Spurred by her affection for new friend Hamza, Mayowa, with help from Grandpa Edward, must use her own powers to stop Hayward. Textured grayscale illustrations by Zorite (My Caribou Migration Journey) depict magical happenings in this lofty story about the power of books to inspire positive change. Comical footnotes further enrich this winsome trilogy launch. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Duvall Osteen, United Talent Agency. (Jan.)