Parents' Guide to

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Girl's hair gives her super powers in fun adventure.

Book Tolá Okogwu Fantasy 2022
Onyeka and the Academy of the SunBook Cover

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

Movie Mom RC
Movie Mom RC Parent
September 6, 2022
age 12+

Nigerian Student Superheroes!

This is a great book for late tweens and teens. Onyeka is a good role model for kids to learn to believe in themselves and grow in confidence. Good dialogue and exciting action without much violence. The students at the school Onyeka attends are taught self defense, so there was a bloody nose at one point. No substance use and I don't recall any swearing. Male and female students are friends, but no one is dating. Interesting superpowers and compelling characters, set in Nigeria. Two thumbs up, from my teen and me.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

As ONYEKA AND THE ACADEMY OF THE SUN opens, main character Onyeka's best friend, Cheyenne, almost drowns. But she's saved by Onyeka's abundant hair. When Onyeka returns home, her mother tells her that her hairy super power is a sign that Onyeka is a Solaris, a special protector of Nigeria. And that means they must flee London and hide out at the secret Academy of the Sun.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Mutants appear in many cultures, and this lively superhero saga offers a fresh twist on the subject. Newcomer Tolá Okogwu may follow the Marvel Comic playbook a little too closely, but she adds enough Africa-based action to keep things interesting. Onyeka is a likable main character -- energetic one moment, contemplative the next. The action scenes are well choreographed, and the supporting cast is intriguing. Onyeka ends with a shocking revelation, and readers will be eager to read the next volume in this exciting series.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun and how superhero stories work across various cultures.

  • Should parents keep secrets from their children? Should Onyeka's mother have told her about her missing father?

  • What do you think it would be like to have great powers and then lose them?

Book Details

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