Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

Onyeka and her mother live in London, having moved from Nigeria some years before.  Her mother is concerned that Onyeka keeps a low profile as she says she is ‘different’.  When her very long and strong hair seems to take on a life of its own, Onyeka begins to understand what her mother means.  After an incident where she saves her best friend, Cheyenne, at the swimming pool, life takes a dramatic turn.  Onyeka finds herself returning to Nigeria, where she finds that she has superpowers and is part of a group called the Solari.  She is to attend a school called ‘The Academy of the Sun’, where she and other Solari learn how to control the powers that they have been born with.  However, all is not as straightforward as it seems and Onyeka and her new friends soon find themselves at the centre of danger, as powerful people try an manipulate the way the Solari use their powers.

What an amazing concept for a book.  The world building is strong and the idea of a society that has been able to harness the power of the sun and equalize society is something that we would all love to see; however, is everything as good as it seems?  But it is the characters who really are the most important part of the story. This is brilliant for anyone looking to realize their own potential and to accept that being different is not a bad thing.  It is about self-belief, living with difference and the power of friendship.  This is just the beginning for Onyeka as she comes to terms with more danger than she could have imagined.  She has had to learn that not all people have your best interests at heart and that good friends are not always immediately obvious.  A gorgeous addition to any school or home library.