An immersive adventure story, this short novel is a thrilling read for any child who likes to be transported to another world and any reader with an interest in Black history, the Benin Bronzes, West Africa and African children's stories. Eze disturbs her and realises it is now time to tell Ada about her heritage as the daughter of a queen. Eze teaches Ada his knowledge and skill in the ways of the forest but she feels something is missing and wants to find out more about her ancestors. She knows that a special amber coloured stone buried among the trees was put there specially for her and as her curiosity increases, she becomes more determined to find out where she came from. Reviews "This is a gripping adventure story that offers something fresh and original to the middle grade historical fiction market.

A riveting historical adventure … as much about friendship and loyalty and the bonds of family as a quest for identity. Pursued by those who want her dead, Ada sets off on an incredible journey which tests her strengths to their limit – with just her friends, the guidance of her ancestors and her own self-belief to help her. The book is rich in details of village life contrasted against the bustle and splendour of the forest city. Children of the Benin Kingdom is the debut novel by Dinah Orji, a British author of Nigerian heritage. It fits well with the increasing interest in African fiction and stories that are inclusive, diverse and explore a greater range of cultures, stories and settings.

From the language to the lifestyle, you are taken on a journey with Ada and exposed to the importance of ancestors, voices, and stories. Teachers notes, linked to the text, are also available to download for free from the publishers, Dinosaur Books Ltd.

Polly Crosby tells ReadingZone about her novel, This Tale is Forbidden (Scholastic), a fractured fairy tale set in a dystopian world. 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.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. But when Papa Eze himself becomes ill, he knows he must tell Ada the truth about her real identity – something he has kept hidden to protect his daughter from danger. Ada must now travel deep into the forest and discover the ancient Edo kingdom of Benin, connect with her past and to use everything within her power to heal the terrible divisions that are tearing the kingdom apart. But when Papa Eze himself becomes ill, he knows it's time to reveal to Ada her true heritage - time for her to travel deep into the forest to discover the ancient Edo kingdom of Benin, and to use everything within her power to heal the terrible divisions that are tearing the kingdom apart. 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.

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. The descriptions transported me to Africa, but not the Africa of tourism, safari or famine but great civilisations, of not only great beauty but trading nations, strong customs and I learned a lot about this kingdom. The book enables you to live the history of a heritage that is not widely covered by the curriculum, but if it was used to support the teaching of ancient civilisations would help broaden and diversify the knowledge about West African culture and traditions that children have in Upper Key Stage 2. The Sky-king, who does not like Ada’s mother, wants to kill Ada because he does not want any of Ada’s mother’s children to live.I would have rated it 10/10 if there was more description in the book because there wasn’t much and it would have made a more clearer image of the book in my head. 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. 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. When reading this book, you become completely absorbed into the culture of the West African people … because the story is rich and gripping.

This would be an excellent read for schools and there a helpful factual section at the back of the book placing the story in context and giving more accurate historical details. What stood out for me most in this book was how Dinah (the author) made me feel like I was there when I was reading the book and also that the main character is a girl!The book includes a factual section at the end, to help readers widen their knowledge of the ancient Kingdom of Benin and West African culture and traditions. Throughout, children will be gathering information and building the skills towards writing a non-chronological report on the Kingdom of Benin. Books for Topics, children’s fiction reviews blog “A riveting historical adventure… as much about friendship and loyalty and the bonds of family as a quest for identity.