Do you love a good book? Our Children’s Librarians do! And we’re excited to share some great recommendations with you. This page gets updated regularly with reviews of the latest books we’ve been reading.
Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo
Ten-year-old Mayowa is going to be spending her school holidays with her unusual Grandpa Edward, at his estate in the English countryside. Grandpa Edward has a weird habit that no one in her family, including her dad Tommy (Grandpa Edward’s son), can make sense of; Grandpa Edward likes to jump, barefoot, onto books! Mayowa’s Nigerian mother, Wumni, is especially not fond of this habit as in her culture books are prized possessions (on a personal note, I have to agree with Wumni, no one should be jumping on books, especially library books).
As her summer with Grandpa Edward progresses, Mayowa, or May as she goes by, soon discovers why her Grandpa jumps on books by discovering herself that she can book jump too! When some people in her family jump on books, they can harness emotions that the stories inside can make people feel, and channel it directly into other people! During the summer May also becomes friends Hazma, a boy May's age who lives on her Grandpa’s estate; Hazma’s family have fled their country to seek refuge in England. So, when the opportunity arises to use her power to save the lives of countless refugees, like Hazma and his family, May jumps at it!
Mayowa and the Sea of Words would be a great book for anyone who enjoys stories of friendship, adventure and a little bit of magic. I have not read such a unique storyline in such a long time! I recommend for ages 8+.
Find Mayowa and the Sea of Words at your local library here or read the eBook here.
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