The Door of No Return
by Kwame Alexander
Little, Brown and Company, 2022. 397 pages.
Review written January 31, 2023, based on an advance reader copy I got at ALA Annual Conference
Starred Review
Poet and Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander tackles a historical novel-in-verse with this book. He takes us into the life of Offin, a kid from the 1860 Asante Kingdom, in the part of West Africa now known as Ghana.
We get pulled into Offin’s life and family. We hear stories from his grandfather, Nana Mosi. We learn about the girl who makes him smile and his rivalry with his cousin and desire to prove himself.
But then at a wrestling match with Lower Kwanta, Offin’s brother fatally injures the wrong person. Now they have enemies.
And yes, Offin’s story takes him to the Door of No Return — a door that leads to a slave ship. He doesn’t understand until he’s on the ship.
But what’s wonderful about this book is the way it features Offin’s life in Africa, a rich and full life among his family and friends. Of course, that makes the abduction hit all the harder.
Because it’s in verse, this novel is a quick read. It doesn’t take us all the way to America, and I am wondering what happens next, so I was happy to hear that sequels are planned.
This book won a Mock Newbery vote I was part of, though not any of the official awards. But pick up this book to read a master poet at work, shedding light on a time and place you may not have “visited” before.
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Childrens_Fiction/door_of_no_return.html
Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.
Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
What did you think of this book?