Our regular Book Digest segment spotlights new books from Hellen Akeyo, Emily Khalayi Wekulo, Makenzi K.G, and Michael Oluoch.
Princess Njinga – Bane of the Portuguese by Emily Khalayi Wekulo
Publisher: Storymoja Publishers
Date: March 28, 2025
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Young Adult
Language: English
Where to find it: Storymoja Publishers
Twins Lara and Moises time travel back to the 17th century Ndongo kingdom, in the country now known as Angola. The kingdom is under attack. Can Princess Njinga, a fierce warrior leader, protect the kingdom from dangerous Imbangala warriors and powerful Portuguese invaders? Will the twins survive the attacks and make it back home?
Calamity of the Kasigau by Makenzi K.G
Publisher: Storymoja Publishers
Date: March 28, 2025
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Young Adult
Language: English
Where to find it: Storymoja Publishers
In a time-travel twist, twins, Safari and Betty, land in the Kasigau community on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, during the First World War. As the Kasigau cannot tell apart sworn enemies – British and German colonial soldiers – they end up betraying one to the other. Deemed traitors, they are condemned to die. Safari, Betty and their new-found Kasigau family are compelled to embark on a journey where danger looms at every turn. Will the twins make it out alive? Will the Kasigau survive or be silenced forever?
Queen Mkabayi Zulu Kingmaker by Hellen Akeyo
Publisher: Storymoja Publishers
Date: March 28, 2025
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Young Adult
Language: English
Where to find it: Storymoja Publishers
Twins, Kaya and Vusi time travel to the 18th Century Zulu Kingdom, in present-day South Africa. The king is dead and powerful Ndwandwe warriors fight to take over the Zulu Kingdom. How much blood will Queen Mkabayi need to spill to impose a suitable Zulu king? Will the twins survive the war and make it back home?
Two Faces of Chief Odera by Michael Oluoch
Publisher: Storymoja Publishers
Date: March 28, 2025
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Young Adult
Language: English
Where to find it: Storymoja Publishers
When Apiyo and Odongo are zapped back to 1915 Kenya, they encounter the formidable Chief Odera Akang’o, who is pushing his people to adopt what seem to them strange and dangerous ideas. His council of elders lead a rebellion against the radical reforms. As tensions rise and the threat of civil war looms, Apiyo and Odongo find themselves caught in the crossfire. Will Apiyo and Odongo find a way back home, or will they suffer the fate of their new-found ancestors in Gem?
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