Hi, Tọlá! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Tọlá Okogwu I am a children’s author. I live in the UK with my husband and two daughters. I’m probably best known for writing the Onyeka series and I also write under the pen name Lola Morayo. My loves include cheese, Korean dramas and cats (though I’m yet to get one of my own)

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

It’s always been there in some shape or form, from the little stories I’d jot down in stolen moments, to the scenes I played out in the shower. With hindsight, I can see it in my love of English as a subject in school and my choice of journalism as a degree. But it wasn’t till 2015 when I wrote my first book inspired by my daughter and husband that I realised it was something I actively wanted to pursue.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Not Now Bernard by David McKee
• The one that made you want to become an author: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This book taught me the power of reading and how books can transport you to different worlds.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is a book I often return to. It’s just that good.

Your latest novel, Champions of the Galaxy, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Galactic adventure tests humanity’s worth.

What can readers expect?

An action-packed, epic space adventure with my own unique flavour. Expect aliens, amazing tech, bickering kids who discover what true friendship means and some epic twists you won’t see coming.

Where did the inspiration for Champions of the Galaxy come from?

I am a huge sci-fi fan and writing sci-fi allows me to explore some really big questions and also take my imagination to unique places. As with all of my stories, this one started with a simple idea. What if aliens showed up one day with an irresistible offer that felt too good to be true? How would humanity react and what might it learn about itself in the process.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced writing Champions was letting go of what I thought the story should be. I’m a planner so I had some very grand plans and ideas for this book. But that wasn’t the book I was meant to write and it took me far too long to realise that. Once I did, things went more smoothly but it means my feelings about Champions of the Galaxy are very complicated indeed.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I love snarky characters and in Champions of the Galaxy, I have two of them, Achan and Thea. Their dynamic was so much fun to write as they bicker incessantly but ultimately come to an understanding.

What’s next for you?

I am currently writing book two of my new middle grade series. It hasn’t been announced yet so I can’t say too much. I will say that I’m leaning into my funny, contemporary side and that the series was inspired by my eleven year old daughter and the many trials and tribulations of pre-teen life.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

My reading has been a bit slow so far this year but I really enjoyed reading Brielle and Bear: Once Upon a Time by Salomey Doku. I’m also looking forward to diving into Black Dolls Vol. 1 by Rachel Faturoti and First Born of the Sun by Marvellous Michael Anson

Will you be picking up Champions of the Galaxy? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Tọlá Okogwu, Author of ‘Champions of the Galaxy’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Black Girl Power: 15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood, which is out November 12th 2024.

Black girl power is…

Bringing your favorite stuffed animal to your first real sleepover. . .

Escaping an eerie dollhouse that’s got you trapped inside. . .

Making new friends one magical baked good at a time. . .

Finding the courage to dance to the beat of your own drum. . .

And more! From 15 legendary Black women authors comes a dazzling collection of stories and poems about the power we find in the everyday and the beauty of Black girlhood.  

Contributors include: Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Dhonielle Clayton, Natasha Diaz, Sharon M. Draper, Sharon Flake, Leah Johnson, Kekla Magoon, Janae Marks, Tolá Okogwu, Karen Strong, Renée Watson, and Ibi Zoboi.

Loading…

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

The post Take A Peek At ‘Black Girl Power: 15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Tọlá! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Tọlá Okogwu I am a journalist, hair care educator and author. I live in the UK with my musician husband and two daughters. I mostly write children’s fiction, from picture books to middle grade and I also write under the pen name Lola Morayo.

How has the first half of 2022 been for you?

Hectic, but in the best possible way. I’ve published two books already and Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun will be my third, though not last of the year. I’m also an executive producer on the Netflix adaptation of the book so there’s plenty to keep me busy.

When did you first discover your love for writing?

It’s always been there in some shape or form, from the little stories I’d jot down in stolen moments, to the scenes I played out in the shower. With hindsight, I can see it in my choice of journalism as a degree and my decision to start a hair care blog. But it wasn’t till 2015 that I realised it was something I actively wanted to pursue.

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. This book taught me the power of reading and how books can transport you to different worlds. I come back to this book often and can’t wait to introduce it to my own children one day.

Your new novel, Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Thrilling, gripping, empowering, action-packed, unexpected.

What can readers expect?

Lots of Fun!! It’s about a twelve-year-old girl called Onyeka who discovers she has psychokinetic hair after saving her best friend from drowning. Her mother reveals that she’s actually a Solari – a genetically enhanced human with superpowers. But these powers are also making her sick and Onyeka must return to Nigeria and a secret high-tech school for Solari called the academy of the sun to find a cure. Whilst there, she makes new friends and enemies, and she must find the power within her in order to defeat a deadly foe that threatens her family and the future of all Solari.

Where did the inspiration for Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun come from?

It was a simple idea really. What if a girl discovered that the very thing she thought of as her greatest flaw, turned out to be her greatest strength? I knew immediately that it was a book about superheroes and that her powers would come from her amazing Afro textured hair.

For the longest time, Afro textured hair has been seen as something undesirable and this a perception I constantly challenge in my writing and in my work as a hair care educator. I’ve also been a fan of superhero stories since childhood, but rarely came across any that featured people who looked like me as the hero. The opportunity to write such a story was irresistible.

Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?

Setting the story in Nigeria definitely threw up some issues. Though it is the country of my birth, I left when I was six and haven’t visited in over fourteen years. It was important to me that I represent the country and culture as authentically as I could, but I was struggling. It’s why I decided to create a futuristic alternate history version of Nigeria. One where I could freely use my imagination and play with historical ‘what ifs’. Whilst at the same time explore and celebrate the rich culture, food and geography of this amazing country. I got to imagine a Nigeria I wish existed in real life.

Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I really enjoyed writing Adanna’s character. She’s so prickly and snarky, it was fun to come up with dialogue for her and delve into her personality. My favourite scene is probably where Adanna does Onyeka’s hair. It’s such an a-ha moment for both and the turning point in their relationship.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently finishing up edits on Onyeka and the Legacy of the Solari, book two in the series. It comes out in March 2023. I’ve also got a few other projects in the works and I’m excited to see how production of the Netflix adaptation progresses.

Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?

Umbra Tales: The Lightcasters by Janelle Maccurdy, Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell, The Upper World by Femi Fadugba and Sadé and her Shadow Beasts by Rachel Faturoti. This has been a bumper year for children’s and YA books.

Will you be picking up Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Tọlá Okogwu, Author of ‘Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With his trademark blend of sharp characters, psychological suspense and gasp-worthy twists, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake will shock readers until the very last page.

Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer expands the Cursebreaker world in an electrifying new series.

A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A Mirror Mended is the next installment in USA Today bestselling author Alix E. Harrow’s Fractured Fables series.

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

She was the face that launched a thousand ships, The fierce beauty at the heart of Olympus, And she was never ours to claim. A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a fantastical version of New Orleans where music is magic, a battle for the city’s soul brews between two young mages, a vengeful wraith, and one powerful song in this vibrant and imaginative debut. 

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Black Panther meets Percy Jackson in this action-packed and empowering middle-grade series about a British-Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers.

The Dream Runners by Shveta Thakrar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A heart-stirring romance of star-crossed love, feuding familias, and the bonds of sisterhood by USA Today bestselling author Priscilla Oliveras.

Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins comes a funny and surprising new novel about losing it all—and getting back more than you ever expected.

Blood and Moonlight by Erin Beaty
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Erin Beaty’s fantasy mystery-thriller, Blood and Moonlight, an orphan with a secret, magical sight gets caught between a mysterious genius and the serial killer he’s hunting.

Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic by Lauren Ho
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An ambitious career woman signs up for a co-parenting website only to find a match she never expected, in this unflinchingly funny and honest novel from the author of Last Tang Standing.

What June 2022 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post June 2022 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

It’s that time of year again where your TBR is grumpily glaring at you because you haven’t finished even half of the books on your shelves that you wanted to get to this year and still you somehow dare to order even more books?! Well, let us assuage that TBR guilt by—hah, not helping you read the books on your shelves, that would be way too productive—showing you all the middle grade releases of 2022 that are just waiting for you!

JANUARY

Dream, Annie, Dream by Waka T. Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this empowering deconstruction of the so-called American Dream, a twelve-year-old Japanese American girl named Annie Inoue grapples with, and ultimately rises above, the racism and trials of middle school she experiences while chasing her dreams.

The Unforgettable Logan Foster by Shawn Peters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following a 12-year-old neurodivergent orphan with an eidetic memory and zero filter, The Unforgettable Logan Foster is filled with superheroes, supervillains and epic showdowns between good an devil which show that sometimes, all it takes to be a hero is to just be yourself.

Dear Student by Elly Swartz
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When Autumn becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper she is faced with a dilemma–can she give fair advice to everyone, including her friends, while keeping her identity a secret?

The Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Exploring poverty, racism, and the power of education through the eyes of a kid who dreams of brighter days, The Lucky Ones will resonate with fans of Rex Ogle’s Free Lunch, Linda Sue Park’s A Single Shard, and Lesa Cline-Ransome’s Finding Langston.

Riley’s Ghost by John David Anderson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the beloved author of Posted and Ms. Bixby’s Last Day comes a stunning and unforgettable upper-middle-grade ghost story about the struggles of surviving middle school. When Riley Flynn finds herself caught up in a nightmare of ghosts, she’s put to the test and has to attempt to survive the darkest shadows in her life and reckon with a haunted past.

FEBRUARY

Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo comes a heartfelt middle grade filled with glowing friendship, inner strength and the impossible becoming possible, following two girls who go on an adventure to the top of Mt. Meteorite, and learn about each other, themselves, and the magic friendship can bring, perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Barbara O’Connor.

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Witchlings follows a 12-year-old witch who is sorted into a coven of unwanted spare witches with her bully and the new witch in town; they must now band together to defeat the fearsome Nightbeast or risk being turned into a trio of toads. This magical adventure about earning your full powers is perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers.

Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The long-awaited sequel to the New York Times bestseller Amari and the Night Brothers!
Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this magical second book in the New York Times and Indie bestselling Supernatural Investigations trilogy—perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor.

Unseen Magic by Emily Lloyd Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The magic-infused town of Aldermere is the first place eleven-year-old Fin has ever felt safe—and she’ll do whatever it takes to save her home when she accidentally unleashes a shadow self who wreaks havoc everywhere she goes. Emily Lloyd-Jones’s middle grade debut is an enchanting exploration of self discovery and finding the place you truly belong. 

Just Right Jillian by Nicole D. Collier
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fifth grader Jillian will do anything to blend in. But after a bully says she can never be a winner, she sets out to win her school’s biggest battle of wits. Unfortunately, breaking out of her shell is easier said than done. Jillian has less than a month to overcome a lifetime of shyness and summon the courage to speak up for herself—or lose her only chance to win.

MARCH

Where the Sky Lives by Margaret Dilloway
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Five Things About Ava Andrews comes a new middle grade standalone novel with STEM and activism themes. When the private preserve adjacent to Zion National Park is sold, Tuesday’s park archeologist mother tells her they’re moving, and twelve-year-old Tuesday’s search for closure may lead to unexpected answers.

Kelcie Murphy and the Academy of the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis’s Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie.

Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This stunning wordless graphic novel follows a young girl in the 1960s who immigrates from Cuba to the United States and must redefine what home means to her.

Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rain Reign meets Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World in this heartfelt novel about a neurodivergent thirteen-year-old navigating changing friendships, a school trip, and expanding horizons.

Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu, illustrated by Teny Issakhanian
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From bestselling author Marjorie Liu and debut illustrator Teny Issakhanian comes the first in an epic new middle grade graphic novel series featuring a young girl who must stop a threat to her magical world – perfect for fans of Amulet.

APRIL

Osmo Unknown and the Eightpenny Woods by Catherynne M. Valente
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente comes an inventive new fantasy following a boy journeying away from the only home he’s ever known and into the magical realm of the dead in order to fulfill a bargain for his people.

It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit by Justin A. Reynolds
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A hilarious middle-grade from Justin A. Reynolds that asks: What happens when five unsupervised kids face the apocalypse under outrageously silly circumstances?

Hunters of the Lost City by Kali Wallace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Packed with shocking twists, frightening monsters, and dark magic, this is a page-turning fantasy adventure for middle-grade fans of Holly Black and Tamora Pierce. Following 12-year-old Octavia who grew up believing the town of Vittoria was the only one left in the world is in for a rude awakening when she meets a girl beyond the walls of her town and learns the truth about the deadly magical war and plague that defined her past.

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Unicorns don’t belong in fairy tales; they belong in nightmares. Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, fierce sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races and of course, bloodthirsty unicorns. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Eragon and His Dark Materials, these unicorns will change everything.

Consider the Octopus by Nora Raleigh Baskin and Gae Polisner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When chance, or fate, throws two twelve-year-olds together on board a scientific research ship at the edge of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it’s not all smooth sailing!

MAY

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Percy Jackson meets Tristan Strong in this hilarious, action-packed middle grade contemporary fantasy that follows a young boy as he journeys across China to seal the underworld shut and save the mortal realm.

Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After inheriting a grieving fox spirit, a Chinese American boy must learn to embrace his heritage to solve the mystery of his brother’s death in Jesse Q Sutanto’s magical, action-packed middle grade fantasy.

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Soman Chainani, and Philip Pullman, The Marvellers is set in a global magic school in the sky where students from around the world come together to practice their cultural marvels. Ella Durand, the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, must overcome anti-Conjuror prejudice to track down a missing teacher and protect the school from a magical threat. 

Freddie vs. the Family Curse by Tracy Badua
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this thrilling and hilarious middle grade adventure, a young Filipino-American boy must team up with his ancestor to break the curse that’s haunted their family for generations. . . or be trapped in an amulet forever.

Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

13-year-old Jake loves his rural town, but doesn’t always feel supported by the people there, so he fades into the background. That is, until he comes out and his overly supportive dad puts a comically huge pride flag in their yard, suddenly turning all eyes on him.

JUNE

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Black Panther meets Percy Jackson in this action-packed and empowering middle-grade series about a British-Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers.

The Lost Ryū by Emi Watanabe Cohen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In The Lost Ryū, debut author Emi Watanabe Cohen gives us a story of multigenerational pain, magic, and the lengths to which we’ll go to protect the people we love. In this middle grade fantasy set in post-WWII Japan, Kohei Fujiwara must team up with his new neighbour to search for the truth, both about Kohei’s family history and the disappearance of the giant ryū that fought in the war.

Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Dragon Pearl and the Lockwood & Co. series comes a swift-moving contemporary fantasy about a young girl tasked with destroying deadly shadow creatures. As the terrifying beasts In Brannland suddenly double, young Nora decides it’s time for her to join the battle.

Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter by Zoraida Córdova
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe meets Supernatural in a heartfelt, hilarious adventure about a trio of tight-knit, monster-loving siblings from acclaimed author Zoraida Córdova.

High Score by Destiny Howell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Gordon Korman, Varian Johnson, and Celia Pérez, High Score is an exciting heist adventure with a diverse cast of whipsmart characters and entertaining, fast-paced writing. With a head for cons and a heart of gold, Darius James – DJ – finds himself faced with his toughest challenge yet: live on the straight and narrow.

What 2022 middle grade releases are you looking forward to reading? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You Need These Highly Anticipated 2022 Middle Grade Fiction Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.