Okoye to the People: A Black Panther Novel
Wakanda teen fights NY gentrification in thoughtful fantasy.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Okoye to the People is a prose spin-off from Black Panther comics and movies. Author Ibi Zoboi emphasizes activism over violence as Okoye helps the Brooklyn neighborhood of Brownsville fend off real estate fraudsters. Okoye uses martial arts moves and a hidden spear to neutralize some goons who try to grab her while she's working. Kids use a drug that gives them pyro-kinetic powers, which leads to arson.
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What's the Story?
As Okoye to the People opens, Okoye has just become a new member of Wakanda's Dora Milaje, the country's royal guard. She's surprised to be sent to New York to act as a bodyguard for King T'Chaka. She also wonders why her compatriots aren't awarded more respect by the Brownsville, Brooklyn street kids. When she learns about a sleazy real estate deal that will hurt the neighborhood further, Okoye wants to jump into action. But is that the best choice for the community?
Is It Any Good?
Few comics heroes engage in diplomacy, but this thoughtful fish-out-of-water tale emphasizes community activism over punching. National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi focuses on a secondary character to good effect, showing Okoye's change from a gung-ho new recruit to a more nuanced community activist.
There are a few superhero-ish episodes, but Okoye to the People remains realistic in its setting and plot. Fans of Black Panther might not expect what the author delivers, but most are likely to enjoy the outspoken Wakandan as she struggles on behalf of truth and justice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Okoye for the People depicts Africa. What might the continent have been like without slavery?
Why does Wakanda pretend not to be a rich country? How has colonialism shaped the history of Africa?
Wakanda's royal guard is for women only. Why might the Wakandans made that choice?
Book Details
- Author: Ibi Zoboi
- Illustrator: Noa Denmon
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Activism, Superheroes, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Marvel Press
- Publication date: March 22, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 16
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
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