I'm thrilled to share that my creative non-fiction piece called "A Shapeshifter's Hair" is included in a brand new collection: Coven Of The East, an anthology of essays and fiction reimagining Asian women's magical histories.

Please support us by buying a copy and/or pledging to our Kickstarter (which includes a bunch of cool rewards) - then hit "reply" and let me know what you think!

Keeping with the theme of witches but traveling to a different continent, the book I'm recommending this week invites you to Nigeria to follow a young witch as she discovers a world of magic hidden in plain sight.

A YA story aimed at younger readers (but enjoyable at any age) Akata Witch is set in 2010s Nigeria, in an incredible world of magic and mystery that exists, hidden, alongside our own. 

The story centres on Sunny, a 12 year-old American-Nigerian who is Black and albino, as she discovers not only that magic exists, but also that she has an affinity for it. Sunny embarks on a journey to harness her power–and discover herself in the process–surrounded by a cast of good friends and demanding teachers. 

Okorafor takes many well-loved fantasy tropes and puts her own bold, unique spin on them.

Going to magic school? Check.

Keeping secrets from parents? Check.

Encountering cool (& sometimes dangerous) mystical creatures? Check.

Solving a murder mystery? Check.

Okorafor tells Sunny’s story in a way that’s both super accessible for kids and a fun ride for adults. It’s also the first book in a trilogy, so if you fall in love with Leopard Knocks you can stay in the world for even longer.