Book Title: Children of the Benin Kingdom (available here)
Author/Illustrator: Dinah Orji
Publisher: Dinosaur Books
Publication Date: August 2020
Most Suitable For: KS2
Reviewed By: Caroline Waldron
Ada is twelve and has lived near the rainforest, with her Papa Eze, for as long as she can remember. She knows Papa is not her real family but he’s always looked after her. One day, however, Papa Eze becomes unwell and tells Ada the full story behind her birth and how he came to look after her. Unfortunately someone else has also discovered the story of Ada’s birth and who Ada is and wishes her harm. Papa Eze realizes that Ada needs to escape the village, so sends her off, with her friend Mbe, on a perilous journey to find both safety and her true identity. Along the way they meet both new friends and old enemies and go on an adventure of a lifetime.
Set in the ancient kingdom of Benin, this is both a fascinating insight into an ancient way of life as well as a well-told adventure story. This would make a perfect class read for KS2 and would fit in beautifully with the National Curriculum topic of Ancient Benin, for which there are not many children’s fiction choices at all available. Complete with a non-fiction section at the end – which I found fascinating – the book provides more information about many things covered in the story, from the history of the tribes featured to more information on their belief systems. All of which provide useful background to the story and which could be investigated further in class for those studying the topic.
Whether it’s a curriculum linked fiction choice or simply a read for pleasure, this is a gripping adventure story that offers something fresh and original to the middle grade historical fiction market.
You can order Children of the Benin Kingdom online.
*****Book Giveaway!****
Thanks to the publishers, we have FIVE copies of Children of Benin Kingdom to give away to our followers.
There are two ways to enter:
1. Twitter entry – To enter, follow @booksfortopics and RT the giveaway tweet.
2. Instagram entry – Follow @booksfortopics on Instagram & TAG in the giveaway post’s comments a friend who may also like to win this book for their home or school library.
You can enter both ways for two entries! Giveaway closes 11.59pm 19th Oct (UK) — terms and conditions here.
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You can order Children of the Benin Kingdom online.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and to our Review Panel member for reviewing it.
Where next?
> Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub
> Browse our Topic Booklists
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