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Graphic Myths and Legends
Sunjata: Warrior King of Mali [A West African Legend]
A young hero who overcame the unthinkable rises to unite his people. Weak and silent, young Sunjata is unable to walk, unable even to pull a bow. But a prophesy foretold that his mother would bear a son who will become the mansa of all the Mande people―the greatest king ever to rule. Sunjata sets out to find the strength and courage to fulfill his birthright and to overcome the plotting of a rival queen and the sorcery of the terrible tyrant Sumanguru. Are the armies and magic that stand against him undefeatable? Can Sunjata become the leader his people need?
48 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2007
About the author
Justine Korman Fontes
444 books62 followersJustine Korman is the author of over 600 children's books, including mega-selling adaptations of Disney hits like THE LION KING, plus her original popular GRUMPY BUNNY series for Scholastic.
Justine has been writing all her life. She worked part-time in publishing while earning her B.A. in English Literature, Phi Beta Kappa from New York University. While an editorial assistant at Golden Books, she met her future husband and partner, Ron Fontes, an artist in the Whitman Comics department, who moved on to mighty Marvel Comics.
When Justine started getting freelance writing assignments, Ron pitched in and a children's book writing team was born! Ron brought visual storytelling, theatre, and history; Justine enthusiasm, humor, and a straight-A attitude.
In 1988, the couple moved to Maine, where they have written everything from beginning readers and novelty books to historical fiction and graphic novels.
Justine's hobbies include fitness, juggling, gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele. She also enjoys making movies with Ron.
The prolific couple's goal is to write 1001 children's books.
Justine has been writing all her life. She worked part-time in publishing while earning her B.A. in English Literature, Phi Beta Kappa from New York University. While an editorial assistant at Golden Books, she met her future husband and partner, Ron Fontes, an artist in the Whitman Comics department, who moved on to mighty Marvel Comics.
When Justine started getting freelance writing assignments, Ron pitched in and a children's book writing team was born! Ron brought visual storytelling, theatre, and history; Justine enthusiasm, humor, and a straight-A attitude.
In 1988, the couple moved to Maine, where they have written everything from beginning readers and novelty books to historical fiction and graphic novels.
Justine's hobbies include fitness, juggling, gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele. She also enjoys making movies with Ron.
The prolific couple's goal is to write 1001 children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 31, 2025
The 'King Arthur' of the Mande people: a story filled with adventure and danger about a king who had to blaze a path of battle to free his people. Would like to see more children read comics like this; it is not by accident that many of the superheroes of today can find their roots in legend/literature (e.g. Hulk is a combination of Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). Would like to see other African legends incorporated into the growing mythos that Black Panther has started!
December 9, 2020
It's nice to see a folklore figure from West Africa given the superhero comic treatment! Sunjata is a classic figure from the Mende tradition who overcomes great obstacles to become a great king. This is part of a series of international figures in a similar vein, 50ish pages each, geared toward children and maybe teens. Many of them were available in Hoopla!
January 18, 2018
Great to be introduced to this legend. Colorful and overall enjoyable book.
July 25, 2023
Accessible and interactive take on the classic tale. Going in my 6th grade classroom library for world history.
February 2, 2017
I'd like to see more of these; different culture, epic mythic journey, battles, respectful or strong depiction of women or disabled. However this was only okay. Not enough 'show, don't tell.'
October 25, 2018
Representation matters.
It is nice to read myths on the formation of African kingdoms. This is the myth behind the formation of the great Mali Kingdom.
It is nice to read myths on the formation of African kingdoms. This is the myth behind the formation of the great Mali Kingdom.
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March 31, 2020Weak and silent, young Sunjata is unable to walk, unable even to pull a bow. But a prophesy foretold that his mother would bear a son who will become the mansa of all the Mande people--the greatest king ever to rule. Sunjata sets out to find the strength and courage to fulfill his birthright and to overcome the plotting of a rival queen and the sorcery of the terrible tyrant Sumanguru. Are the armies and magic that stand against him undefeatable? Can Sunjata become the leader his people need?
November 28, 2021
Nice accessible version of the West African epic. Helpful notes in the back.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews