Latest News

Nnedi Okorafor has won many awards as a writer. Her creative works are unique and captivating. Read on to find out more about Nnedi Okorafor’s life and her published works.

Nnedi Okorafor was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 8, 1974, to Igbo parents. The Nigerian-American author is known for her innovative works in science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. Her writing often sheds light on African culture, mythology, and futurism, creating unique and imaginative worlds that intrigue readers worldwide.

Okorafor’s early years were marked by a vivid connection to both her Nigerian background and American upbringing. Her Igbo parents, who immigrated to the United States from Nigeria, instilled in her a passion for storytelling and a strong sense of cultural identity. Growing up, Okorafor was attracted to science fiction and fantasy literature, finding inspiration in the works of authors like Ursula K. Le Guin and Octavia Butler.

After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a degree in rhetoric, Okorafor went on to pursue a Master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. During this time, she began to explore her passion for writing speculative fiction, writing stories that reflected her lifetime experiences and cultural heritage.

In 2001, Okorafor’s career as a writer gained momentum when she published her first novel, “Zahrah the Windseeker,” a novel about a young adult fantasy set in a magical world inspired by African mythology. The book received critical acclaim and marked the start of her rise as a distinguished voice in speculative fiction.

Her subsequent novels, including “The Shadow Speaker,” “Who Fears Death,” and “Akata Witch,” further established her reputation for blending richly imagined worlds with themes of identity, social justice, and the power of resilience. “Who Fears Death” in particular, generated widespread praise and won several awards, including the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel.

In addition to her novels, Okorafor has written several short stories, essays, and comics, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller across different mediums. Her work has been celebrated for its bold imagination, deep prose, and exploration of complex themes such as cultural displacement, environmentalism, and the intersection of technology and tradition.

Beyond her literary accomplishments, Okorafor is also a professor of creative writing at the University of Buffalo, where she mentors aspiring writers and continues to inspire future generations with her love for storytelling.

Throughout her career, Nnedi Okorafor has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of speculative fiction and challenging traditional narratives about race, gender, and power. With each new work, she invites readers to explore worlds both fantastical and familiar, inviting them to imagine new ideas and embrace the richness of diverse voices in literature.

Books Written by Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor has written numerous books in different genres, and here are some of her best books, novels, short stories, and essays that are worth a read:

1. Zahrah the Windseeker (2005): 

This enchanting young adult fantasy novel introduces readers to the adventurous Zahrah, a girl with a special ability to interact with plants. Set in a vibrant world filled with magic and mystery, Okorafor blends a tale of self-discovery and bravery.

2. The Shadow Speaker (2007): 

Set in post-apocalyptic Africa, “The novel ” tracks the journey of Ejii, a young girl with the power to communicate with shadows. Through Ejii’s eyes, readers explore a world of political intrigue, magic, and cultural diversity, offering a fresh insight into familiar genre tropes.

 3. Who Fears Death (2010): 

This groundbreaking novel weaves elements of science fiction and fantasy with African mythology to tell the story of Onyesonwu, a young woman with supernatural powers who embarks on a journey to confront her destiny and brings an end to genocide. “Who Fears Death” is a powerful exploration of identity, trauma, and the pursuit of justice.

 4. Akata Witch (2011): 

In this intriguing young adult fantasy, Okorafor tells readers about Sunny Nwazue, a Nigerian-American girl with magical abilities who discovers her place in a secret society of “Leopard People.” With its richly imagined world and diverse cast of characters, “Akata Witch” offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age narrative.

 5. Akata Warrior (2017): 

The sequel to “Akata Witch,” this book continues Sunny’s quest as she hones her magical skills and tackles a new threat to her community. With its mixture of adventure, mystery, and Nigerian folklore, “Akata Warrior” is a thrilling continuation of Sunny’s story.

6. Binti (2015): 

Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards, “Binti” chronicles the journey of a young Himba girl who leaves her home to attend a prestigious intergalactic university. As Binti navigates cultural differences and brawls an alien threat, Okorafor crafts a gripping tale of identity, bravery, and the roles of diplomacy.

7. Binti: Home (2017): 

The sequel to “Binti,” this novella dives deeper into Binti’s journey as she returns to her homeland to confront her past and reconcile her newfound identity with her roots. “Binti: Home” is a poignant exploration of belonging and self-discovery.

8. Binti: The Night Masquerade (2018): 

Concluding the Binti trilogy, this novella sees Binti facing her greatest challenges. Yet, as she navigates the complexities of war, betrayal, and forgiveness. 

9. Lagoon (2014): 

Set in Lagos, Nigeria, “Lagoon” is a bold and ambitious science fiction novel that imagines the arrival of extraterrestrial beings and the ensuing chaos and transformation that unfolds. Through its diverse cast of characters and imaginative world-building, Okorafor offers a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s relationship with the unknown.

10. Remote Control (2021): 

In this novella, Okorafor writes about Sankofa, a young girl in Ghana who gains the power to kill with a flashlight after encountering a mysterious object. The book is a haunting and lyrical exploration of grief, power, and the consequences of wielding supernatural abilities in a world marked by wonder and danger.

More Books Written by Nnedi Okorafor

11. Kabu Kabu (2013) – Short story collection

12. The Book of Phoenix (2015)

13. LaGuardia (2019) – Graphic novel series

14. Ikenga (2020)

15. After the Rain (2021) – Co-authored with Tracy Deonn

16. Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage (2021)

17. Star Wars: The High Republic: Mission to Disaster (2022)

18. Binti: Shuri (2022) – A crossover with Marvel’s Black Panther

19. Binti: Nnedi Okorafor Sampler (2019) – A collection of excerpts from the Binti series

20. Broken Places & Outer Spaces: Finding Creativity in the Unexpected (2019) – A memoir

21. The Black Panther: Long Live the King (2017) – Comic book series

22. Shuri: The Search for Black Panther (2019) – Comic book series

23. Shuri: 24. The Vanished (2020) – Comic book series

24. Shuri: The Story of the Warrior Princess (2020) – Comic book series

25. Shuri: The Hero of Wakanda (2021) – Comic book series