Children of the Benin Kingdom, by Dinah Orji
“A riveting historical adventure… as much about friendship and loyalty and the bonds of family as a quest for identity. Books for Keeps, children’s fiction magzine
Selected for Empathy Lab UK’s Read for Empathy Collection, 2023
A UK Reading Agency Book of the Year 2020: recommended by staff of The Reading Agency.
Shortlisted for the Historical Association's Young Quills Award 2021 for the best children's fiction.
Free art, craft and literacy activity sheets available, all linked to the text and complete with a detailed appendix full of fascinating facts about the Benin Kingdom
Ada has lived close to the great rainforest for her whole life, helping her beloved Papa Eze to heal fellow villagers when they fall sick. But when Papa Eze himself becomes unwell he knows it's time to reveal to Ada her true heritage - a closely kept secret that has so far protected his daughter from her enemies.
Ada must now travel deep into the forest to discover the ancient Edo kingdom of Benin and use everything within her power to heal the terrible divisions that are tearing the kingdom apart. Pursued by those who want her dead, Ada sets off on a journey which will test her strength to the limit … with just her close friends, the guidance of her ancestors and her own self-belief to help her.
An immersive adventure story, this short novel is a thrilling read for any child who likes to be transported to another world and any reader with an interest in Black history, the Benin Bronzes, West Africa and African children's stories.
Editorial Reviews
"This is a gripping adventure story that offers something fresh and original to the middle grade historical fiction market." Books for Topics, children’s fiction reviews blog
“A riveting historical adventure… as much about friendship and loyalty and the bonds of family as a quest for identity. Books for Keeps, children’s fiction magazine
“When reading this book, you become completely absorbed into the culture of the West African people … because the story is rich and gripping.” Reading Zone, children’s fiction reviews blog
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The historical Benin Kingdom is an option for UK primary teachers at KS2, and is a great choice for those who are keen to diversify their curriculum. This book includes a factual section at the end, to help readers widen their knowledge of the Kingdom of Benin and West African culture and traditions and linked resources and activity sheets are available to download for free from the publisher, Dinosaur Books Ltd: https://readingagency.org.uk/resources/4857/
Reviews:
A riveting historical adventure This is a fast-paced story of a resourceful and feisty young girl determined to find out where she came from and where she fits into society. --Books For Keeps children's fiction magazine
A gripping adventure story that offers something fresh and original. --Books For Topics children's book reviews
When reading this book, you become completely absorbed into the culture of the West African people ... because the story is rich and gripping. --The Reading Zone Book Reviews
About the Author:
Dinah Orji is a British author of Nigerian heritage who spent her childhood in Nigeria. Her family come from a few miles from the historical Kingdom of Benin (which is in present day Nigeria) and Dinah was inspired to write this novel during her extensive travels to Nigeria. Dinah works in the UK film industry and this is her debut novel.
Paperback: 216 pages
Dimensions: 19.8 x 1.9 x 13 cm
Ages 7+
ISBN-13: 9781999336332