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

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There are quite a few story developments near the end, some of which I really liked and some of which I didn't, but overall a really solid book and I'm so happy it exists! Moving on to the writing. I really enjoyed Tọlá Okogwu’s writing style- it was smooth, descriptive and really easy to read. There was real heart in the book and I could practically feel the author’s love for her world and the characters in it. It was so sweet and cute 🥰🥰 Then Mum fully pulled out a swimming cap from one of her styling drawers. Who has a swimming cap just hanging around? Yes, you heard that right. The only thing saving Cheyenne and Onyeka that day was the power of Onyeka's hair. My eyebrows lift at her tone, but she’s right, and I don’t want to mess up her special day. I snatch the ugly cap from her.

Until that day at the swimming pool when it’s her hair that saves her, and best friend Cheyenne, from drowning. Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun (Onyeka #1) by Tolá Okogwu". www.publishersweekly.com . Retrieved 2022-12-10. When her best friend Cheyenne has a freak accident at the pool not even Onyeka can explain what happened. Her mother knows and knows it’s time they must return to Nigeria, even with the danger this poses. They must find Onyeka’s father.In London, Onyeka only has 1 friend and her mother. While at AOS, she gains a group of friends and a relative she didn’t know existed. She learns that family isn’t just who you come from. Sometimes it’s the people you surround yourself with. That, and the fact she’s the only other Nigerian I know. Mum never talks about Nigeria or why we left, so the little I know about how it became so rich and powerful comes from history class. It’s been this way for as long as I can remember.

Summary: Timid Onyeka is doing exactly what her mother asks of her. Until her best friend has a pool party that changes everything. With her friend in danger, she jumps to her rescue. Only her hair is the one to save her in the end. Leading to even bigger reveals Onyeka is now headed to a school of magic that is a world away from her own. Will she be strong enough to embrace this new journey and new powers? With the help of new friends and old family history she is willing to give it her best shot. The friendship she developed with some of the other Solari was also really sweet. Although they felt very typical at first, I ended up liking them in the end! Adanna in particular. She seemed like a very cliche character at first, but as we got to know her, I really grew to like her. Cheyenne, Onyeka’s best friend in London, was also a really cool character, even if she didn’t play as big a role as some of the other characters in the story. However while they are both playing in the water something happens and Cheyenne ends up in distress. Onyeka, not a strong swimmer to begin with, cannot sit by while her best friend drowns. She has to help her, thus she learns the magic power of her hair.

I can totally see why this book has had so much hype. What a brilliant middle grade read suitable from around 8 years plus +. Although I’d be tempted to read this one to my daughter aged 6 as I think she’d love the action. Onyeka is a British Nigerian girl who has a head of long hair that she just can't tame. She doesn't understand why her mother is always harping on managing her hair and controlling her temper. Until one day there's an incident at a pool where she saves her friend from drowning. Her mother reveals to her she has special powers and is a member of a group of super-powered non humans called Solari. She then ends her away to a magic boarding school in Nigeria.

An incredible story that reinvents the concept of a school for magical kids. So inspiring and creatively original.’ L. D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Onyeka has a lot of hair – the kind that makes strangers stop in the street. When she makes the important discovery that she can control her hair with her mind, she's whisked off to the Academy of the Sun, a school in Nigeria where Solari – children with superpowers – are trained Okogwu has created an exciting fantasy with Nigerian culture and customs woven into the plot to create excellent world building with interesting characters. A story of a young girl’s journey to self-acceptance, this title will leave readers on the edge of their seats in anticipation for the next part in this new series." When our story begins Onyeka and her best friend, Cheyenne, are visiting the local public pool on a hot day. Even though Onyeka doesn't adore swimming, for Cheyenne she's willing to join in the fun.