Synopsis via Harper Collins:
Warrior Princess. That’s what Nigeria Jones’s father calls her. He has raised her as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia. Nigeria is homeschooled and vegan and participates in traditional rituals to connect her and other kids from the group to their ancestors. But when her mother—the perfect matriarch of their Movement—disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended. She finds herself taking care of her baby brother and stepping into a role she doesn’t want.
Nigeria’s mother had secrets. She wished for a different life for her children, which includes sending her daughter to a private Quaker school outside of their strict group. Despite her father’s disapproval, Nigeria attends the school with her cousin, Kamau, and Sage, who used to be a friend. There, she begins to flourish and expand her universe.
As Nigeria searches for her mother, she starts to uncover a shocking truth. One that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about her life and her family.
From award-winning author, Ibi Zoboi comes a powerful story about discovering who you are in the world—and fighting for that person—by having the courage to be your own revolution.
“Everything I do is for my people.”
Nigeria Jones – Atrributed to Sacagowea
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review: Imagine being raised to believe that you should separate yourself from white people because of their wrongdoings throughout history and spending every moment of your childhood talking and learning about oppression and racism. That is the life Nigeria Jones has had to live. She’s 16, and her father’s beliefs are so ingrained in her that it’s second nature. She’s never considered her dreams or desires so focused on “the movement.”
This begins to change when she discovers that her mother no longer wants her to be homeschooled but has been working on getting her into a majority-white, private school. Even considering taking this on is a struggle for Nigeria. How can she be around colonizers in such a large capacity when she’s been raised to believe they’re not needed in any part of her world?’
This was a great read and made me evaluate my thoughts and beliefs. I tried to put myself in Nigeria’s position and consider how I would handle things if I were raised in a similar capacity. This book was a little different from my usual reads this year (fantasy), but I’m glad I got a chance to read it. I was pulled in and enjoyed the storyline. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’m looking forward to checking out others.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced readers’ copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tani Reads 