Nubia: The Awakening
#1 of 2 in Nubia Series
on Goodreads (586)
What’s inside...
From beloved actor and producer Omar Epps and writer Clarence A. Haynes comes the biggest epic fantasy of the year. A powerful saga of three teens, the children of refugees from a fallen African utopia, who must navigate their newfound powers in a climate-ravaged New York City. For Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho, Nubia is a mystery. Before they were born, a massive storm destroyed their ancestral homeland, forcing their families to flee across the ocean to New York City. Nubia, a utopic island nation off the coast of West Africa, was no more, and their parents' sorrow was too deep for them to share much of their history beyond the folklore. But New York, ravaged by climate change and class division, is far from a safe haven for refugees, and Nubians live as outcasts, struggling to survive in the constantly flooding lower half of Manhattan, while the rich thrive in the tech-driven sky city known as the Up High. To many, being Nubian means you're fated for a life plagued by difficulties and disrespect. But Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho are beginning to feel there might be more. Something within them is changing, giving each of them extraordinary powers. Extraordinary and terrifying powers that seem to be tied to the secrets their parents have kept from them. And there are people Up High watching, eager to do anything they can to become even more powerful than they already are. Now Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho will be faced with the choice--do they use their inheritance to lift their people, or to leave them behind. The fate of their city, and their people, hangs in the balance.
Character compass
Uzochi
Lencho
Zuberi
Discussion points
What challenges does Nubia face and how does she overcome them? What does that teach us about facing our own challenges?
How do the characters in 'Nubia: The Awakening' support each other? Can you think of ways we support each other like that in our family?
What are some qualities you admire in the main character, Nubia? How can you demonstrate those qualities in your own life?
If you could have a conversation with Nubia, what would you ask her and why?
The setting of the book is a blend of reality and fantasy. What aspects of the world in 'Nubia: The Awakening' did you find most intriguing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about parallels between Nubia's adventures and their everyday life to make the conversation more relatable.
Highlight moments in the book where characters show resilience and teamwork, using them as a springboard for discussing the importance of these traits.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to ensure they’re critically thinking about the themes and characters in the book.
Foster an open dialogue that welcomes your child’s opinions, no matter how different they might be from your perspective.
End the discussion by asking your child how they might apply the lessons learned from the book to their personal life or school environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Nubia: The Awakening,' the characters encounter numerous challenges in a dystopian world, demonstrating perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to overcome obstacles in their own lives, whether in school or in social settings, maintaining a positive attitude through difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of heritage and identity
Explanation: The story focuses on characters rediscovering and embracing their cultural heritage as a source of strength.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and take pride in their own heritage and identity, understanding their background as a foundational aspect of their character.
Example Lesson: Working together towards a common goal
Explanation: The protagonists in the book collaborate despite their differences, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn that by working together with others, even those who are different from them, they can achieve much more than they could alone, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity and inclusivity
Explanation: The narrative includes a diverse set of characters, promoting the idea that everyone has something unique to contribute.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity and practice inclusivity in their daily interactions, promoting empathy and understanding among peers.