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The Witchcraft of Coming of Age



Unlike the witch tales of yonder years, most magic-centered novels (especially YA) are now centered on the theme of “coming of age”. There’s something appealing about how “magic” can represent adulthood and all the maturity that comes with it. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor is no exception to this. It is unique, however, in how it executes this concept.

Like most coming of age stories, Akata Witch is centered on a twelve-year-old who is trying to find her place in the world. Sunny, though, has a lot of places to find: a place for herself as an American in Nigeria; as an albino in an intolerant society; and as a newly discovered Leopard Person (or, magic user). In most ways, she’s an isolated individual who wants to fit into a community. Throughout the novel, she finds a small circle of friends who accept her and she discovers her own autonomy. Her individuality is emphasized by the reveal of her spirit face, which is a spiritual reflection of her own self.

Culture shock is a big part of this novel, and most of Sunny’s journey is her defining how she sees others and outside influences. She states that the Leopard world is “weird” and “strange” several times throughout her journey, and even by the end of the book she’s not quite sure what to think of it. The view of her peers is mentioned. She finds her ex-friends intolerable due to their bullying of her and she considers girls her age who throw themselves onto boys embarrassing. Sunny’s also addressed with romance within her group (something big when it comes to tween girls), with Sasha and Chichi getting together and her still developing feelings for Orlu. After the reveal that her grandmother was also a Leopard person, Sunny’s view on family is altered as well. She’s desperate for some lost connection to be restored, even if she never knew her grandmother.

Experience and knowledge is likely the most emphasized part of the novel. The Leopard people’s currency is literally only earned by learning. That being said, Sunny and Co. are frequently thrown into situations head first by all the adults in their lives, who only hope that the children get out alive. These elders also frequently tell them that their lives are small parts in a big machine that is the world, and that generally much more is at stake than their lives. The wrestling match that ends in the death of Miknistic, someone who had comforted Sunny just hours before, lifts the veil of the children being sheltered from the concept of death. Sure, they’ve almost experienced it. Yes, they have a serial killer on the loose, but this is truly the first time that they have witnessed death first hand.

This novel shows off why I’m such a fan of YA. It explores issues in the world without feeling the need to be dark and gritty, through the eyes of a protagonist who’s supposed to be a role model. Sunny discovers so much of herself through the story, and her development is beautifully integrated into the plot. Akata Witch is an exceptional coming of age story that beautifully integrates the world’s use of magic.
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