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The Door of No Return #1
The Door of No Return
The first book in a trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family.
In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. He’s warned though, to never go to the river at night. His brother tells him ”There are things about the water you do not know." “Like what?" Kofi asks. “The beasts,” his brother answers.
One fateful night, the unthinkable happens, and in a flash, Kofi’s world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.
In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. He’s warned though, to never go to the river at night. His brother tells him ”There are things about the water you do not know." “Like what?" Kofi asks. “The beasts,” his brother answers.
One fateful night, the unthinkable happens, and in a flash, Kofi’s world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
404 people are currently reading
10507 people want to read
About the author
Kwame Alexander
82 books3,149 followersKwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include Surf's Up, a picture book; Booked, a middle grade novel; and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,187 reviews
October 8, 2022
In a Nutshell: I don’t have enough words to describe the beauty of this book. A middle-grade novel in verse, but will suit adult readers too. Deeply impactful, and highly disturbing and simply astounding. First of a planned trilogy.
Story Synopsis:
As the author’s note mentions right at the start, this is a historical fiction inspired by actual events, with the story based on the lives of the Asante people, native to the region of West Africa today known as Ghana. The story is somewhat reminiscent of Alex Haley’s ‘Roots’, though this is aimed at a younger audience.
There are so many things I simply adored about this book.
👌 Offin – our young protagonist who is clever and mischievous and brave and so much more! He is the heart of the story.
👌 The secondary characters – visible to us only within the limited viewpoint of young Offin and yet so well-sketched! You don’t just notice them, but you feel one with them because of the writing style. A special mention of Nana Mosi, Offin’s grandpa, who delights with his stories and his riddles.
👌 The narrative voice sounds exactly like that of an eleven year old. Brilliant writing, this!
👌 The use of the setting – what a vivid description of Kwanta! The location came alive through the poet’s words.
👌 The description of the indigenous Kwanta culture and how the unity was being torn apart not just by internal rivalries but also by the Westerners.
👌 The various African sayings peppered throughout the narrative.
👌 The importance of staying true to your culture and traditions and passing on this knowledge down the generations.
👌 The strong statement against colonialisation, visible through the ideology that Mr. Phillips conveys to his students when he insists on their speaking in English. Also evident in his praise of the “Mr. Wonderfuls”.
👌 The title, “The Door of No Return”, that is both metaphorical and literal and suits the story so well.
👌 The novel-in-verse format, that serves this story excellently. With multiple chapters, each comprising a story-like introduction and multiple “poems”, the content is quick and impactful.
At the same time, the entire story isn’t easy-going. The first half thrilled me; the second half dragged me into the depths of despair. Offin’s experiences in the final quarter are so harrowing that I needed to take regular breaks to compose my emotions.
If you are sensitive and hence easily affected by portrayal of human misery, please please please think twice before picking this up. It is quite gut-wrenching in the final quarter. This is technically middle grade fiction, aimed at the 10 - 13 years age group. However, I don’t know how the younger ones in this age segment will react to the content in the second half; it is very disturbing even for an adult. Parents/guardians, proceed with care.
This was my first experience actually reading a novel-in-verse, a format I have attempted earlier only through audiobooks. It took me a bit of time to get attuned to the unusual writing pattern. (To my prose-loving eyes, half my Kindle screen looked empty! 😄) However, pretty soon, the words began to fly past with amazing ease. As an avid audiobook listener, I prefer the audio version for novels-in-verse, but I have a gut feeling that this one will be better read than heard; the timeline is too complicated for audio.
I must confess, there’s no poetic bone in my body, so I read the content more as prose rather than as something with poetic merit. Even so, I saw more than enough “poems” where the onomatopoeic effects and the threading of the words created magic. I am sure those who enjoy contemporary poetry will appreciate the structure even more.
I found the ending quite abrupt, though it is not exactly a cliffhanger. An online search revealed that this is the first of a planned trilogy, something I didn’t know while requesting the book and isn’t mentioned on Netgalley or Goodreads. So I will not hold the ending against the book, still hoping that someone marks this as part of a planned series so that readers know what they are getting and that it’s somewhat incomplete.
I stay away from poetic writing, but I am pretty sure that any future works by author-poet Kwame Alexander will be a part of my TBR. Looking forward to the next instalment of this powerful tale. Strongly recommended, as long as you heed the warning about the content and know that the story is yet to conclude.
4.75 stars. (The clipped ending is the only thing stopping me from going all out with 5 stars.)
My thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Door of No Return”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Asante Kingdom (modern-day Ghana), 1860.
Eleven year old Kofi Offin, named for the Offin river than flows through his village, loves frolicking in the waters with his best friend Ebo. Of course, his life isn’t perfect. He is forced to learn English under his “improved” teacher Mr. Goodluck Phillip. He is bullied by his cousin. And he nurses a secret crush on Ama and sees no way of letting her know.
Offin’s family has warned him about not staying in the river after dusk for fear of monsters. One day, the monsters do arrive, with their white skins and noisy guns. And Offin’s life becomes a living hell.
The story is written in verse from Offin’s first person point of view.
As the author’s note mentions right at the start, this is a historical fiction inspired by actual events, with the story based on the lives of the Asante people, native to the region of West Africa today known as Ghana. The story is somewhat reminiscent of Alex Haley’s ‘Roots’, though this is aimed at a younger audience.
There are so many things I simply adored about this book.
👌 Offin – our young protagonist who is clever and mischievous and brave and so much more! He is the heart of the story.
👌 The secondary characters – visible to us only within the limited viewpoint of young Offin and yet so well-sketched! You don’t just notice them, but you feel one with them because of the writing style. A special mention of Nana Mosi, Offin’s grandpa, who delights with his stories and his riddles.
👌 The narrative voice sounds exactly like that of an eleven year old. Brilliant writing, this!
👌 The use of the setting – what a vivid description of Kwanta! The location came alive through the poet’s words.
👌 The description of the indigenous Kwanta culture and how the unity was being torn apart not just by internal rivalries but also by the Westerners.
👌 The various African sayings peppered throughout the narrative.
👌 The importance of staying true to your culture and traditions and passing on this knowledge down the generations.
👌 The strong statement against colonialisation, visible through the ideology that Mr. Phillips conveys to his students when he insists on their speaking in English. Also evident in his praise of the “Mr. Wonderfuls”.
👌 The title, “The Door of No Return”, that is both metaphorical and literal and suits the story so well.
👌 The novel-in-verse format, that serves this story excellently. With multiple chapters, each comprising a story-like introduction and multiple “poems”, the content is quick and impactful.
At the same time, the entire story isn’t easy-going. The first half thrilled me; the second half dragged me into the depths of despair. Offin’s experiences in the final quarter are so harrowing that I needed to take regular breaks to compose my emotions.
If you are sensitive and hence easily affected by portrayal of human misery, please please please think twice before picking this up. It is quite gut-wrenching in the final quarter. This is technically middle grade fiction, aimed at the 10 - 13 years age group. However, I don’t know how the younger ones in this age segment will react to the content in the second half; it is very disturbing even for an adult. Parents/guardians, proceed with care.
This was my first experience actually reading a novel-in-verse, a format I have attempted earlier only through audiobooks. It took me a bit of time to get attuned to the unusual writing pattern. (To my prose-loving eyes, half my Kindle screen looked empty! 😄) However, pretty soon, the words began to fly past with amazing ease. As an avid audiobook listener, I prefer the audio version for novels-in-verse, but I have a gut feeling that this one will be better read than heard; the timeline is too complicated for audio.
I must confess, there’s no poetic bone in my body, so I read the content more as prose rather than as something with poetic merit. Even so, I saw more than enough “poems” where the onomatopoeic effects and the threading of the words created magic. I am sure those who enjoy contemporary poetry will appreciate the structure even more.
I found the ending quite abrupt, though it is not exactly a cliffhanger. An online search revealed that this is the first of a planned trilogy, something I didn’t know while requesting the book and isn’t mentioned on Netgalley or Goodreads. So I will not hold the ending against the book, still hoping that someone marks this as part of a planned series so that readers know what they are getting and that it’s somewhat incomplete.
I stay away from poetic writing, but I am pretty sure that any future works by author-poet Kwame Alexander will be a part of my TBR. Looking forward to the next instalment of this powerful tale. Strongly recommended, as long as you heed the warning about the content and know that the story is yet to conclude.
4.75 stars. (The clipped ending is the only thing stopping me from going all out with 5 stars.)
My thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Door of No Return”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
October 5, 2022
This new series could be the "Roots" for the 21st century. I have enjoyed many of Kwame Alexander's other titles, especially the sports-theme books for middle grade. As a Gen Xer, I am not the intended audience for this book. If I had not already experienced "Roots" in print and on TV as a mini-series, this might have gotten 5 stars. I read this in print, but would expect this title to be especially meaningful on audio.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2022
I’ve loved every book I have read by Alexander, but this one is my favorite. And to know there are two more to come in this trilogy makes me think about what I’ve just read even more. Wow!
Kwame has given young readers so many relatable books. This one was the first from him that I have read that really gave history behind the characters. Based in Africa, Alexander dug deeply into what the culture holds. As a white woman, I probably don’t understand it all, but I strive to.
This story is not just for middle grade people- it’s for all ages. The format of the book offers so much to the reader. Every chapter gives a little “love story” or story of the Asante people to help us understand the importance and history. I marked many quotes from the book.
I was on pins and needles throughout the middle to end of the story. I even cried. It’s told mostly in verse and it was perfect for this telling.
It seems the culture of these African people were literally beaten out of them. They were taught to speak English but when they went home, this was not what they lived. The food they cultivated and ate was purely their own. Their souls and salvation came with those foods.
I loved the references to Shakespeare. It gave a balance and relevance to what was happening.
I can understand why this book was hard for Alexander to write. There was a chapter dealing with the lower and upper Kwanta that reminded me of the moments leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. I literally held my breath throughout the rest of the book.
I won this as a giveaway, but it’s going to be gracing my favorites shelf in my home. My girls will be reading it soon enough.
Thank you, Mr. Alexander, for giving us this. I’ll dream of shaking your hand one day.
Kwame has given young readers so many relatable books. This one was the first from him that I have read that really gave history behind the characters. Based in Africa, Alexander dug deeply into what the culture holds. As a white woman, I probably don’t understand it all, but I strive to.
This story is not just for middle grade people- it’s for all ages. The format of the book offers so much to the reader. Every chapter gives a little “love story” or story of the Asante people to help us understand the importance and history. I marked many quotes from the book.
I was on pins and needles throughout the middle to end of the story. I even cried. It’s told mostly in verse and it was perfect for this telling.
It seems the culture of these African people were literally beaten out of them. They were taught to speak English but when they went home, this was not what they lived. The food they cultivated and ate was purely their own. Their souls and salvation came with those foods.
I loved the references to Shakespeare. It gave a balance and relevance to what was happening.
I can understand why this book was hard for Alexander to write. There was a chapter dealing with the lower and upper Kwanta that reminded me of the moments leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. I literally held my breath throughout the rest of the book.
I won this as a giveaway, but it’s going to be gracing my favorites shelf in my home. My girls will be reading it soon enough.
Thank you, Mr. Alexander, for giving us this. I’ll dream of shaking your hand one day.
September 28, 2022
The Door of No Return is incredibly gripping and harrowing story of 11 year old Kofi Offin who is stolen from his village of Upper Kwanta and sold into slavery.
It’s so hard not to fall in love with Kofi and as his innocence as he navigates school life much like any other child and even has a crush along the way.
This story really dives into love, loss, and betrayal. It also shows how insidious slavery is.
Definitely a quick must read, and with that ending, I need to know what’s next for Kofi.
Thank you to Little Brown Young Readers for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
It’s so hard not to fall in love with Kofi and as his innocence as he navigates school life much like any other child and even has a crush along the way.
This story really dives into love, loss, and betrayal. It also shows how insidious slavery is.
Definitely a quick must read, and with that ending, I need to know what’s next for Kofi.
Thank you to Little Brown Young Readers for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2022
A powerfully, moving middle grade story about a young African boy who gets stolen and sold into slavery. Perfect for fans of the show Roots or Lawrence Hill's Book of negroes and great on audio read by the author! I'm excited that this is the first in a trilogy and can't wait to see where the series goes next!! Much thanks to Librofm for an ALC of this great new book!
October 29, 2023
Fantastic AUDIO. Can’t imagine “reading” this in book format as the dialect and tones of “listening” to this story were beautiful.
Note: this is a planned trilogy. So, the ending is abrupt.
I’ll definitely listen to the remaining books.
Excellent.
Note: this is a planned trilogy. So, the ending is abrupt.
I’ll definitely listen to the remaining books.
Excellent.
January 22, 2023
2.5*
The style wasn't my thing. The chapters are short and most of them are written in verse, which is something that I had always avoided picking up but I was curious to see if it would work for me as I usually dislike poetry. I thought that, since I'd have more context from the plot, I'd get to like it, but I didn't and I will probably forget the book soon.
100% it's not the book but me not vibing with the style, I'm sure I'd have liked it if it had been fully written in 'normal prose.'
The style wasn't my thing. The chapters are short and most of them are written in verse, which is something that I had always avoided picking up but I was curious to see if it would work for me as I usually dislike poetry. I thought that, since I'd have more context from the plot, I'd get to like it, but I didn't and I will probably forget the book soon.
100% it's not the book but me not vibing with the style, I'm sure I'd have liked it if it had been fully written in 'normal prose.'
July 9, 2022
Whoa. I have never read anything quite like this. Powerfully moving. This one comes out in September and I already can't wait for book 2. Thank you, Kwame Alexander, for bringing this powerful story to life for young readers and adults alike.
October 2, 2022
Poetic and lyrical writing that really sucked me into Kofi's world.
July 12, 2025
“Until the lions tell their side, the story will always celebrate the hunter”.
June 30, 2025
Written in verse, I flew through Khofi's story in less than a day. Surprising for what I anticipated to be weighty subject matter; but the story is as full of light as it is of danger and beautifully written.
January 12, 2023
Highly recommend the audio. Such a beautiful, heart breaking book!
January 27, 2024
Trigger warnings: death, violence, death of a sibling, murder, torture, stillbirth, slavery, rape, shipwreck, blood, drowning, colonialism, suicide.
Oof. This has a very different vibe to Alexander's other books. And in some ways, I fully expected that because it's set in Ghana in the 1860s. But I don't think I anticipated the complexity of the story that comes BEFORE the enslavement, and I don't think I anticipated that the protagonist would be 11 years old.
I found the 1860s setting a little odd, and I'm not sure if that's because I thought it would be earlier or if I was just expecting in my head that it would be more like the opening sections of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, a book I've adored for years and have read multiple times.
I didn't think this was going to end the way that it did, but in some ways that was really the best possible way for it to end.
Oof. This has a very different vibe to Alexander's other books. And in some ways, I fully expected that because it's set in Ghana in the 1860s. But I don't think I anticipated the complexity of the story that comes BEFORE the enslavement, and I don't think I anticipated that the protagonist would be 11 years old.
I found the 1860s setting a little odd, and I'm not sure if that's because I thought it would be earlier or if I was just expecting in my head that it would be more like the opening sections of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, a book I've adored for years and have read multiple times.
I didn't think this was going to end the way that it did, but in some ways that was really the best possible way for it to end.
October 2, 2022
This book brought me to tears. The door of no return is a middle grade historical fiction where we are located in the Asante Kingdom, which is now known as Ghana in the year of 1860. In the Upper Kingdom of Kwanta we are following a boy named Kofi who values and loves his family dearly and above all he is a really good swimmer. As we get to know Kofi, we also get glimpses of his teacher who is trying to educated him on Queen Victoria and her reign, but Kofi always has a question in the back of his head of why they have to learn about someone else's kingdom and not their own. As time moves on there is a festival that takes place everyone year with the Upper and Lower Kingdoms of Kwanta. In this festival there is a particular event that takes place, which is a fighting competition and Kofi's brother is fighting for Upper Kwanta. Though things take a turn and every action has a reaction where Kofi's future and journey will start to begin. A journey where he will no longer see or be with his family. I will say that this book also written in verse and it touched my soul completely. If you haven't read this book yet I highly recommend it.
February 12, 2023
The most Brilliant lyrical historical fiction wriiten in verse that I've ever read in my Life! 🧡
Kwame Alexander is no hidden secret when it comes to bestselling books. "The Door of No Return" is the latest book from this Poetic Genius. This time, Kwame Alexander teaches readers through his unique style of verse once again. But this time, You will encounter young Kofi and his Ghana Family...Just imagine visually walking (along side of him) throughout a timeline of events that are filled with characters who pull on every emotions possible. This author will have your imagination running WILD! 🧡 This is a very candid story that will teach readers about Love, Learning, Discipline, Grief, Ancestors, and much more. And, you will experience funny moments as well from these strong characters also...
When I decided to add this book to my TBR list...I then realized that I never documented the dates read his previous books, "The Crossover series." I read this with my youngest son during the Pandemic and immediately Adored Kwame Alexander's style of writing. Nevertheless, this book right here..."The Door of No Return" HAS OUTSHINED THEM
ALL!! 🔥🔥
Kwame Alexander is no hidden secret when it comes to bestselling books. "The Door of No Return" is the latest book from this Poetic Genius. This time, Kwame Alexander teaches readers through his unique style of verse once again. But this time, You will encounter young Kofi and his Ghana Family...Just imagine visually walking (along side of him) throughout a timeline of events that are filled with characters who pull on every emotions possible. This author will have your imagination running WILD! 🧡 This is a very candid story that will teach readers about Love, Learning, Discipline, Grief, Ancestors, and much more. And, you will experience funny moments as well from these strong characters also...
When I decided to add this book to my TBR list...I then realized that I never documented the dates read his previous books, "The Crossover series." I read this with my youngest son during the Pandemic and immediately Adored Kwame Alexander's style of writing. Nevertheless, this book right here..."The Door of No Return" HAS OUTSHINED THEM
ALL!! 🔥🔥
January 19, 2023
This book was a challenging read for me. I have difficult with prose and books featuring foreign words.
But as I finished it last night, I was grateful I struggled through it.
My favorite part was
GRAVE TROUBLE
The wonderfuls bring misery
And destruction to those
who do not look like them.
Their eyes cover the whole earth
and they see us as shadows
to step on.
But as I finished it last night, I was grateful I struggled through it.
My favorite part was
GRAVE TROUBLE
The wonderfuls bring misery
And destruction to those
who do not look like them.
Their eyes cover the whole earth
and they see us as shadows
to step on.
October 12, 2022
A lyrical, heartbreaking, important reminder that African American history begins in Africa, not in slavery. That the people stolen from their villages and families were fully human, nothing less.
October 24, 2025
Si je devais garder un seul roman jeunesse sur le sujet de l'esclavage, ce serait celui-ci tandis que je lancerais Alma très, très loin, façon frisbee. Et je suis franchement déçue que la suite ne soit pas (ne sera pas ?) traduite.
Dans ce roman en vers libres (c'est magnifiquement réalisé et traduit en passant), pour les lecteurices à partir de 13 ans, on suit Kofi, qui vit au royaume ashanti, en Afrique de l'ouest, et dont la vie va un jour basculer pour le pire.
On passe énormément de temps avec Kofi, sa famille, son village, et on se retrouve tout autant choqué et déraciné que lui quand il est arraché à son peuple (c'est pas un spoiler, c'est le résumé).
Ce que j'apprécie tout particulièrement, avec ce livre, c'est le pourquoi de la capture. J'entends souvent des personnes blanches dire "Même les Africains se vendaient entre eux 🤪" pour se dédouaner du devoir de mémoire et de réparation qu'il convient de faire par rapport à ce qui est l'un des plus grands crimes contre l'humanité jamais commis. Le fait est que des peuples capturaient leurs ennemis comme prisonniers de guerre (entre autres), sans savoir ce qu'il leur arriverait une fois vendus aux Européens. Aucun n'imaginait ce qui se passait de l'autre côté de l'Atlantique, aucun ne faisait de ces captures une affaire de race, et c'est quelque chose que ce livre souligne parfaitement.
Bien sûr, le roman est très dur par moments, surtout la fin. Mais si des millions d'enfants l'ont réellement vécu il y a à peine deux siècles de ça, je ne vois pas ce qui empêche les enfants d'aujourd'hui de lire une version édulcorée de cette partie de l'Histoire.
Bref, mettez-moi ça dans les programmes scolaires (et lisez-le peu importe votre âge en vrai, c'est un must).
Dans ce roman en vers libres (c'est magnifiquement réalisé et traduit en passant), pour les lecteurices à partir de 13 ans, on suit Kofi, qui vit au royaume ashanti, en Afrique de l'ouest, et dont la vie va un jour basculer pour le pire.
On passe énormément de temps avec Kofi, sa famille, son village, et on se retrouve tout autant choqué et déraciné que lui quand il est arraché à son peuple (c'est pas un spoiler, c'est le résumé).
Ce que j'apprécie tout particulièrement, avec ce livre, c'est le pourquoi de la capture. J'entends souvent des personnes blanches dire "Même les Africains se vendaient entre eux 🤪" pour se dédouaner du devoir de mémoire et de réparation qu'il convient de faire par rapport à ce qui est l'un des plus grands crimes contre l'humanité jamais commis. Le fait est que des peuples capturaient leurs ennemis comme prisonniers de guerre (entre autres), sans savoir ce qu'il leur arriverait une fois vendus aux Européens. Aucun n'imaginait ce qui se passait de l'autre côté de l'Atlantique, aucun ne faisait de ces captures une affaire de race, et c'est quelque chose que ce livre souligne parfaitement.
Bien sûr, le roman est très dur par moments, surtout la fin. Mais si des millions d'enfants l'ont réellement vécu il y a à peine deux siècles de ça, je ne vois pas ce qui empêche les enfants d'aujourd'hui de lire une version édulcorée de cette partie de l'Histoire.
Bref, mettez-moi ça dans les programmes scolaires (et lisez-le peu importe votre âge en vrai, c'est un must).
November 22, 2025
What happens when vengefulness begets exposure to the vilest depths of human nature?
Oof. This was a gut-punch of a young adult book! A harrowing, shockingly violent account of the worst atrocities committed by humans against each other. The first half is mostly about 11 year-old Kofi’s daily life in his Asante village (which would now be Ghana) during 1860, including his childhood crush on a wise girl, his relationship with his older brother, his complicated relationship with his bullying cousin, and his school teacher’s obsession with using The Queen’s English as opposed to their native tongue. There is also a lot of backstory on the truce between Upper and Lower Kwanta, and a time of competitive festivities of sorts that are often dangerous and violent but agreed upon by both groups, until something goes terribly wrong.
Then one night an unsettling event happens, and at first you think it’s one thing, but eventually you realize what is going on, and it’s horrendous. Throughout unspeakable horrors being committed all around him, Kofi is able to maintain a sliver of hope. This is part one of a trilogy so the ending leaves some loose ends. But overall I think this was an interesting way to tell a story of African and African American history in verse. (I’d recommend 16+ due to mature themes like violence and non-graphic references of rape.)
I listened to this on audio with my high schooler on a road trip while she read in tandem for a school essay and highly recommend the audiobook performance. 3.75⭐️s rounded up.
Oof. This was a gut-punch of a young adult book! A harrowing, shockingly violent account of the worst atrocities committed by humans against each other. The first half is mostly about 11 year-old Kofi’s daily life in his Asante village (which would now be Ghana) during 1860, including his childhood crush on a wise girl, his relationship with his older brother, his complicated relationship with his bullying cousin, and his school teacher’s obsession with using The Queen’s English as opposed to their native tongue. There is also a lot of backstory on the truce between Upper and Lower Kwanta, and a time of competitive festivities of sorts that are often dangerous and violent but agreed upon by both groups, until something goes terribly wrong.
Then one night an unsettling event happens, and at first you think it’s one thing, but eventually you realize what is going on, and it’s horrendous. Throughout unspeakable horrors being committed all around him, Kofi is able to maintain a sliver of hope. This is part one of a trilogy so the ending leaves some loose ends. But overall I think this was an interesting way to tell a story of African and African American history in verse. (I’d recommend 16+ due to mature themes like violence and non-graphic references of rape.)
I listened to this on audio with my high schooler on a road trip while she read in tandem for a school essay and highly recommend the audiobook performance. 3.75⭐️s rounded up.
July 12, 2023
The writing is beautiful. I would recommend a conversation (or several) and reading this prior to passing it along to your kids. There is quite a bit of graphic violence and very difficult plot points for those middle grade readers that are on the younger end. My 15 yo can and should read it. My 13 yo wouldn't want to read it bc of the depth of the content. My 11 yo won't be allowed to read it yet.
February 6, 2023
I love anything Kwame writes. This is a novel written in verse about a topic I had no background knowledge on and I learned so much!
January 3, 2023
In the postscript Kwame Alexander writes, “Black history began way before 1619…I want ed to speak the truth about African Americans…it’s time for us to know more about the African part.” The Door of No Return is one book filling the gap. Too often we fixate on the enslaved part of history w/out celebrating the joy a young boy like Kofi, our narrator, experiences in his culture and in his life. I especially like the lessons Kofi learns from his elders and the family ties that bind. This is a story about the power of stories, one that will make students aware of evil w/out using language that will have the censors on teachers’ backs. One day I’ll share this book w/ my beautiful, multi-racial grandson.
December 31, 2022
This book is a saga about an African family. The author's note reminds us that enslavement was the middle of a story. An interruption of a history and a people that spanned generations.
The story is written in verse, with short sentences and lots of dialogue. Each line is a punch or a needle or a brush stroke, leaving its mark.
It is heavy and staggering to think of the families separated, the misery, the confusion, and the indomitable strength of spirit of all who passed through that door.
The story is written in verse, with short sentences and lots of dialogue. Each line is a punch or a needle or a brush stroke, leaving its mark.
It is heavy and staggering to think of the families separated, the misery, the confusion, and the indomitable strength of spirit of all who passed through that door.
May 24, 2025
Much different than other Kwame Alexander books as this one is not sports focused. A heart breaking tale that I now am invested in the entire series! He is so good at writing for middle schoolers while as making books enjoyable for adults.
October 11, 2022
Pain of Chattel Slavery never dulls. Kwame Alexander's story is a must read.
Checkout my full review on my blog:
https://introvertinterruptedcom.wordp...
Checkout my full review on my blog:
https://introvertinterruptedcom.wordp...
September 28, 2022
A young adult, Kofi Offn, is a typical boy on the cusp of adulthood - he has a crush on a girl, admires his older brother, and is adored and coddled by his mother. He’s smart, inquisitive and studious (he secretly enjoys reading Shakespeare) and is a great swimmer. At the onset, Kofi’s world in Upper Kwanta is ordered, safe, and besides a few romps with bullies (a rite of passage for most children), he is happy, secure and looks forward to upcoming festivals and ceremonies that take him closer to adulthood.
The author uses these early passages to world-build – we learn of Kofi’s tribal affiliation, their customs, traditions, religious/faith/belief systems, essentially, their way of life and value systems. Contrasts to European culture is gleaned via conversations with his teacher (who was educated abroad), other adults within his community, and his father’s comments from exchanges with traders, ironically referred to as “the wonderfuls;” a term derived from the wondrous gifts and wares they exchange initially for gold (which is rather plentiful in Kofi’s area). The firesticks (guns), strong libations (whiskey), and tobacco are fascinating, but it doesn’t take long to realize the misery and destruction they bring to the indigenous tribes as the wonderfuls begin to covet everything including natural and human resources ignoring the indigenous traditions, culture, spiritual/religious beliefs, social order, and all that is sacred for greed and profit. They are capable of taking without asking; in fact, their “asks” are more so demands and tribal leaders tread lightly to comply – this is the prelude to colonization.
The novel has a poetic structure and undertones causing the writing to pull on emotional thread - both positive and negative. When tragedy strikes, heartstrings are pulled into a downward spiral as loss and hardship just compounds upon Koffi, his family and friends. The lesson Koffi learns during both sad and happy times with his elders difficult times are essential to his survival
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
The author uses these early passages to world-build – we learn of Kofi’s tribal affiliation, their customs, traditions, religious/faith/belief systems, essentially, their way of life and value systems. Contrasts to European culture is gleaned via conversations with his teacher (who was educated abroad), other adults within his community, and his father’s comments from exchanges with traders, ironically referred to as “the wonderfuls;” a term derived from the wondrous gifts and wares they exchange initially for gold (which is rather plentiful in Kofi’s area). The firesticks (guns), strong libations (whiskey), and tobacco are fascinating, but it doesn’t take long to realize the misery and destruction they bring to the indigenous tribes as the wonderfuls begin to covet everything including natural and human resources ignoring the indigenous traditions, culture, spiritual/religious beliefs, social order, and all that is sacred for greed and profit. They are capable of taking without asking; in fact, their “asks” are more so demands and tribal leaders tread lightly to comply – this is the prelude to colonization.
The novel has a poetic structure and undertones causing the writing to pull on emotional thread - both positive and negative. When tragedy strikes, heartstrings are pulled into a downward spiral as loss and hardship just compounds upon Koffi, his family and friends. The lesson Koffi learns during both sad and happy times with his elders difficult times are essential to his survival
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
December 21, 2022
This Kwame Alexander s book is completely different from his sports-themed books except that it is also a novel in verse. This historical fiction book is based on the lives of the Asante people who were sold into slavery. Not for the faint of heart but necessary reading (or listening in my case, which is HIGHLY recommended).
December 28, 2022
What a moving story-painful, heartbreaking, but so important. A comment in the author’s note really struck me. “I want to thank Mom and Dad, for showing me that while the brutal captivity and bondage of Africans was a part of my story, it was not the first chapter, or even the second… People need to know that the middle was not our beginning.” I’m thankful to the author for bringing this part of the story into the conversation.
December 22, 2022
Wow! A hard read and an important read! Kwame is an incredible story teller!
October 1, 2022
The door of no return is the first Kwame Alexander book that I have read. It's a middle grade historical fiction novel in verse. The story takes place in pre-colonial (1850s/1860s) Ghana. Kofi, a twelve year old boy who loves to swim, loves a girl named Ana and loves his family. Kofi’s life is turned upside down in a blink of an eye, and he’s left reeling from the consequences of one fateful event. The book is based on real life historical events: when African men and women were sold into slavery, brought to America and endured cruelty they suffered. It's important that we learn from the past in the present, which helps the future.
My favorite Quotes:
"We are each branches of the same tree. It does not matter that we go in different directions. The roots are one."
"Nana Mosi says when half of the moon is bright and the other half is shadowed, we are supposed to let go of anger and hurt and grudge."
"Kofi, we dream to heal our memory or to face the unimaginable truth. Dreams are hints from the beyond, but they can also be warnings."
"There is nothing more confining than the prison we do not know we are in."
"For the beautiful ones yet unborn."
"A family tie is like the river, it can bend, but it cannot break."
"Stars are the eyes of the past watching over us."
My favorite Quotes:
"We are each branches of the same tree. It does not matter that we go in different directions. The roots are one."
"Nana Mosi says when half of the moon is bright and the other half is shadowed, we are supposed to let go of anger and hurt and grudge."
"Kofi, we dream to heal our memory or to face the unimaginable truth. Dreams are hints from the beyond, but they can also be warnings."
"There is nothing more confining than the prison we do not know we are in."
"For the beautiful ones yet unborn."
"A family tie is like the river, it can bend, but it cannot break."
"Stars are the eyes of the past watching over us."
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