It’s 1860 and Kofi loves life in his village. He is 11 years old, keen to be a man, and likes a girl named Ama. He’s a little tongue-tied around her, but his friend helps a little with that, urging Kofi to make his feelings clear.

They are all from the Asante tribe and have been brought up amongst extended family members, and a culture rich in song, drums and tradition. But times are changing and they have a teacher who is adamant on teaching them English, its manners, customs and literature. Kofi enjoys reading, but doesn’t enjoy his teacher’s readiness to use his cane as punishment. This can be for something as little as speaking their own language in school, or even the food they eat for lunch.

Out of school, Kofi likes to swim in the local river. He’s a strong swimmer, and lately has been practicing for an upcoming swimming challenge. He’s not sure about his chances, but the gaze of the girl he likes is upon him, and he wants to win in her honour.

Kofi has a curious mind and many questions for his elders and big brother. He is frustrated by their answers, and begs them to not speak in riddles, but they tell him he will understand their words when he is older and has completed his initiation to be a man. He’s been warned this initiation will be painful, challenging and much more than he can imagine, but he is keen for his time to come.

He’s also warned not to swim in the river at night. Again, his elders won’t explain why, and he dives in one night with more swimming practice in mind.

Kofi’s world changes from fun, play and swimming in his beloved river, to nets, beatings and threats. Has his initiation begun early?

Wow! Seeing this title in the line-up of Yoto Carnegie Medal Writing Finalists, I grabbed an opportunity to listen to an audio book of this verse novel.

A fan of Kwame Alexander’s work in the past, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. What I didn’t know, was where this story was going to go. I purposely didn’t read any reviews beforehand, wanting to enjoy where the author and his characters took me.

I really enjoyed listening and learning about Kofi’s life in his village, and the rivalry with another village nearby. Kofi’s thoughts about his family and a local girl he likes made me smile, and his troubles with a local bully made me feel for him. I particularly enjoyed the wise sayings shared by his elders, and Kofi’s frustration with them to speak sense not riddles.

Then…

BAM! What happens to Kofi, surprised and shocked me nearly as much as it did him. Except I of course knew a little bit more about what was happening to him and those around him, and what might be waiting for him across a vast ocean far from his home.

The second half of this verse novel is confronting and cruel, and horrifyingly real. The author has revealed it took 12 years to write this novel. I’m keen to find out what’s next in Kofi’s journey in the rest of the trilogy. The 2nd novel is due out in US Sept 24.

Thanks to Bolinda Audio & Net Galley for the Audio Review copy of this book.

Author – Kwame Alexander

Age – 13+      (Violence)

Yoto Carnegie Medal Finalist (2024)

Children’s Africana Book Award for Best Book for Older Readers (2023)

(2022, Trilogy, Series, Award winning author, Yoto Carnegie Medal Finalist 2024, African, Swimming, Culture, Tradition, Stolen, Trapped, Journey, Family, Murder, Betrayal, Grief, Brothers, Rivalry, Crush, School, Colonialisation, Bullies, Bully, Growing Up, West Africa, Ghana, 1860)