Tigerfish: A middle grade Afrofuturist novel set in Zambia

by Tej Rae, Mwape Fundanga (illustrator)

Mwati Mabula is a ten-year old girl who wants what she can’t have. She is as strong-willed as her grandmother, the first female president of Zambia. To an outsider, it looks like Mwati has everything -- which only makes it harder. Mwati runs away from home by hiding in the guard’s pick-up truck, in search of a girl she spotted on a fishing trip who embodies the simple, fun life that Mwati craves.During her time in the village, Mwati plays a barefoot football match and stares down a black mamba, but village life is not what Mwati expected, and when she is ready to go back home, she’s not sure how she will get there. She’d better hurry. Her grandma is waiting for her in Olso, where she is about to win the prize of her life.

159 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2024

Reviews

[Hannah of the Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fantasy story, but set in an imagined future Zambia. The ten year old protagonist lives a privileged life but misses her mother, who is travelling abroad. She lives with her father, brother, and grandmother, who is the president of Zambia and has championed educational reform. She hates the pressure of being part of a famous family, and one day runs away to experience village life, which she imagines will be more fun and carefree. As you might expect, she learns otherwise - and comes to a new appreciation for her life, as well as her grandmother's work.
It's a sweet story. The plot pulled me through. The ending was mostly satisfying (a couple unrealistic elements). The character development was strong. Good lessons too. Informative and fun to read. Illustrations are great.
Some formatting issues and words missing on Kindle edition. Hard to find in print.
Author Tej Rae has lived in Africa for decades.