Children of the Benin Kingdom

by Dinah Orji

A Reading Agency Book of the Year 2020: recommended by staff of The Reading Agency Ada has lived close to the great rainforest for her whole life, helping her beloved Papa Eze to heal fellow villagers when they fall sick. But when Papa Eze himself becomes unwell he knows it s time to reveal to Ada her true heritage - a closely kept secret that has so far protected his daughter from her enemies. Ada must now travel deep into the forest to discover the ancient Edo kingdom of Benin and use everything within her power to heal the terrible divisions that are tearing the kingdom apart. Pursued by those who want her dead, Ada sets off on an incredible journey which tests her strengths to their limit with just her close friends, the guidance of her ancestors and her own self-belief to help her. An immersive adventure story for any child who enjoys being transported to another world, this short novel also fits well with the increasing interest in African fiction and children s stories that are inclusive, diverse and explore a greater range of cultures, stories and settings. The historical Benin Kingdom is now an option for UK primary teachers at KS2, and is a great option for those who are keen to diversify their curriculum. The book includes a factual section at the end, to help readers widen their knowledge of the Kingdom of Benin and West African culture and traditions and teacher resources and activity sheets are available to download for free from the publisher, Dinosaur Books

Genres: Africa, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Benin

Paperback

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Evelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This as a lovely children´s/middle-grade book. I loved the setting, the descriptions were so vivid and it almost felt likte a fairy tale. I liked the main characters and Adas adventures. The Q and A at the end was fun to and gave me som more knowledge about the Benin Kingdom.

[Michala Sullivan]

Looking forward to lending this to my students when we study African Kingdoms.

[Chrissy Francis-Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This children's novel (chapter book-style) is a great introduction to historical fiction for young readers. It's an adventure story with a journey undertaken by Ada, a girl who has grown up with a father figure Papa Eze, whom she soon learns is not her real father. He is a herbalist who heals his fellow villagers from sickness in their village situated on the fringes of an Edo community in West Africa. This story is set in the 12th century and Ada is urged to leave her Papa and this village close to the rainforest when her revealed true identity becomes a danger for her. She is being sought by the Edo people who know of her ancestry and of her mother Akele who was from a powerful royal family but who had been accused of "bringing bad luck to the land...an evil omen,' and was chased from the land. Ada finds out she is Ogiso, the sky-king's daughter, but also had a twin brother. 

In the UK, on the National Curriculum for KS2 there is room to teach of this history and this novel is a great way to explore more about the culture and history of this part of Africa. It is noted in the information notes and questions at the back of the book that the title of the novel is 'Children of the Benin Kingdom' to be understood with western readers (because of the Benin Bronzes of the art world, stolen during the colonial era and now housed in western museums in the US and UK), since 'today the ancient Igodomigodo civilisation is often referred to as the Benin Kingdom, and the forest city is called Benin City.' However, it also notes that the word 'Benin' would not have been recognised by people in the 12th century so characters in the novel speak of the Edo kingdom. The Republic of Benin today is actually located further to the east, not to be confused with the medieval kingdom.

A fascinating civilisation and beautiful history of which I now know a little more through Dinah Orji's concise but fast-paced narrative, describing the gods of the Edo religion, importance of ancestry, the guilds of specialist craft and knowledge, medicine, power symbols of the Edo people, cowrie currency and much more. 

I recommend this well-researched independently published young fiction novel by Dinosaur Books, written by Dinah Orji for children aged 8-11. 

'In the ancient forest four friends uncover a dangerous secret.' 
review by Christina Francis-Gilbert

#childrenofthebeninkingdom #dinahorji #dinosaurbooks @dinosaurbooks #historicalfiction #historicalfictionforkids #chapterbooks #westafricannovels #edopeople #12thcenturyafrica #adventurefiction #historyadventure 

[Elizabeth Santelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so hard to find books set in the ancient African kingdoms. I was grateful a friend pointed me to this one.

It’s a great adventure story set in what is now Nigeria. The kingdom of Edo (later called Benin) was situated in the rainforest. It had many dynasties, but this takes place during the first.

It was a delightful story. Perfect for an early chapter book reader.

I plan to use it as a read aloud.

I wish we had a little more descriptions of the setting and that it lingered a tiny bit more. I also was hoping for a bit more character development. But it’s the best that I’ve found so far for this place and time. I know this kids will love the twists and turns of the fast paced adventure.

Take Away: I highly recommend it because it’s a historical fiction set someplace I rarely see books placed. It’s a great way to make a new time and place come alive!

[Sadé Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of adventure stories, especially when history is included. Ada lives near the great rainforest, where she has lived all her life. Papa Eze has always looked after her, and she’s always helped him. Papa Eze becomes unwell, so he is forced to tell Ada her true identity. Then the adventures begin with Ada travelling deep into the forest to discover the ancient Edo kingdom of Benin. She’s not alone. She travels with her friend Mbe; they guide each other and also meet new friends and come up against enemies too. I really enjoyed reading the fact vs fiction action at the
back, which includes really insightful information about the real story of the Benin Kingdom. If you are looking to learn some history, follow an adventure of two friends that takes you to the edge of your chair.

[Raquel Pilar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ada was raised by Papa Eze, a kind and sweet herbalist who was very respected in the community.
At some point, the elder gets ill and realizes he must tell Ada the truth about who she is. The girl , along with Mbe, a friend, goes on a journey to survive the dangers that her past brings to Ada and solve the issue for once.
The whole idea of the story is pretty good, I liked the characters and the setting. But, even being a middle-grade book, I felt things were too fast. The problem was "easily" solved in the end when many things could have been explained with more details and scenes, I don't know...
In the end, there are some facts about the story and real things related to it! Very interesting!

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick tale of a historic kingdom that leaves you wanting more.

Ada comes to learn she is the lost princess of the Edo Kingdom's king due to a liar who killed her mother in order to gain power. We follow her on the journey back to where she was born. It is a fast-paced book with many challenges and near-death experiences for her. The relationships she has with those she grew up with are endearing and I liked her ability to learn quickly and think on her feet.

I would have liked a bit more history of the Benin Kingdom to have been in this book but it has interested me enough to hopefully find other books/documentaries about it.

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

This book is unique for being a middle grade historical fiction novel set in an ancient West African kingdom - there aren't that many books like this out there. The plot held my interest. The prose was decent but not amazing. The dialogue felt at times inauthentic. The main character was good. Some of the supporting characters were weak. The ending felt unrealistic, both historically and culturally. I feel torn on the rating.
Set in ancient Nigeria ("Benin kingdom"). Ages 8-12.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, easy to read adventure story for young readers. Text is broken into very small segments inside the chapters so could be a good independent read for a child just starting to access longer books. A little light on the characterization. I kept waiting for her being trained as a healer to become relevant and it never did.

[Dinah Orji · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me engrossed from beginning to end.
It's rich in African history and took me on a journey to ancient Africa
The characters are brilliant and reading the book made me feel as though I knew them personally.

[Ms Gane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story which taught me about a civilization I didn't know much about. Ada is a lovely protagonist and the themes of found family are lovely too.
Super interesting Fact vs. Fiction section at the end too for kids who want to learn more.

[Maria do Socorro Baptista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma linda história de amizade e luta, de lealdade e traição, que nos mostra, em uma narrativa dirigida a crianças, um pouco da história do sul da atual Nigéria antes da chegada dos europeus. Muito bom.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

wONDERFUL

[mrs hayley mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous tale of heroism and courage.

[Uli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The appendix is a really good explanation for what is real and what is fiction in the book. Nice introduction to the historic Kingdom of Benin.

[Cas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade: B-

I read this with my class of 9-10 year olds and we enjoyed the beginning but it did get a bit boring sadly.

[✨amy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this with my class, they seemed to enjoy it!