2025 Toolkit
Book Discussion Questions
A young adult Africanfuturism novel that follows the story of Sunny Nwazue, an albino Nigerian-American teen, who is struggling to find her place between her Nigerian roots and her American upbringing. When she discovers she belongs to a secret world of magic where your worst fault becomes your biggest strength, everything changes.
Discussion Questions [Downloadable PDF]
If you need to access the "How to Host a Brave Conversation Guide" in an alternative format, please reach out to claire.huber@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Last updated 3/4/2025
How to Host a Brave Conversation Guide
Hosting a brave conversation requires intentional planning, active facilitation, and a commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. This guide aims to assist facilitators in establishing a positive environment for deep, meaningful conversations.
Download the Brave Conversation Guide
If you need to access the "How to Host a Brave Conversation Guide" in an alternative format, please reach out to claire.huber@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Additional Resources
Pronouncing "Igbo:"
The word "Igbo" is pronounced as "EE-boh". The Igbo language is spoken by the Igbo people primarily in southeastern Nigeria. In the Igbo language, the "I" is pronounced like the long "ee" sound (as in "see"), and the "g" is soft, often sounding more like a "b" or "g" sound depending on the region or dialect. In the case of Igbo, the "g" is not a hard "g" (as in "go") but a soft, almost silent or subtle sound.
In the context of books like Akata Witch, where names and terms have specific cultural and symbolic meanings, accurate pronunciation enhances our connection to the characters and the world they inhabit. It’s a small but meaningful way to show respect for the richness of the culture being represented.
Fun Fact:Â
Kehinde and Taiwo are twins and scholars in Leopard Knocks in Akata Witch. Kehinde and Taiwo are names given to twins in Yoruba culture. Taiwo is always the first born and Kehinde is always the second born.Â
Challenging Norms:
Throughout the book, Nnedi Okorafor makes subtle choices that challenge traditional societal norms within Nigerian culture. One of the most powerful examples is her use of "Oga." Traditionally a term for men in positions of power, "Oga" in the book is applied to anyone deserving of respect, regardless of gender. This choice reflects a more inclusive and universal view of leadership and respect in the Leopard Knocks universe.
Write a Letter Through Time: A Reflection Activity Inspired by Akata Witch
In Akata Witch, Sunny discovers a powerful letter from her grandmother that helps her understand who she truly is. Now, it’s your turn to create that moment for someone else!
Imagine a descendant—100 years from now—who feels connected to you but doesn’t know why. Through this creative writing activity, you’ll craft a heartfelt letter that shares your values, experiences, and wisdom, becoming the missing puzzle piece in their journey of self-discovery.
Download the activity [PDF Download]
If you need to access this activity in an alternative format, please reach out to claire.huber@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Bring "Akata Witch" to Life
Bring "Akata Witch" to Life
Experience the Rhythm of "Akata Witch": Highlife Music
Experience the Rhythm of "Akata Witch": Modern High Life
10 Popular Igbo Masquerades You Should Know
A Glimpse into the Marketplace like those in "Akata Witch"
Experience the Rhythm of "Akata Witch": Highlife Music
Experience the Rhythm of "Akata Witch": Modern High Life
10 Popular Igbo Masquerades You Should Know
A Glimpse into the Marketplace like those in "Akata Witch"
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED
In this TedTalk, author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie highlights the importance of claiming your power in storytelling to mitigate the impact of white-washing. She shares her own experience of reading white centered stories as a child and how that impacted her understanding of self.
Akata Witch: More Books to Explore
Akata Witch Read Alikes
Read Brave: Young Adult Read-Alikes for Akata Witch
Read Brave 2025: Adult Booklist
Read Brave 2025: Kids Fiction
Read Brave 2025: Picture Books
Special thanks to Ngeri Nnachi, J.D., M.P.P.L., who served as an integral partner in the creation of this year's online toolkit. She worked to gather resources and update the How to Have a Brave Conversation guide in collaboration with Read Brave team members.
Ngeri Nnachi, J.D., M.P.P.L., is an Activist, Children’s Book Author and Educator. As a sought-after Consultant, Ngeri’s subject matter expertise is vast and includes early childhood education related topics to educational advocacy-oriented issues in relation to Black children. As a founding Board Member of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, founded in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ngeri proudly engages communities across the world in utilizing what’s in their own hands to make a difference in the world. Feel free to explore more about what Ngeri has to offer on her website: www.ngerinnachi.com, opens a new window.
Read Brave Saint Paul is brought to you by Saint Paul Public Library, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and the City of Saint Paul. This program is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund with special support from a Saint Paul Public School’s Community Partnership ARP Grant.