Daughters of Oduma

In a fantasy world with a West Africa–inspired setting, teen girls must participate in an ancient martial arts competition to protect their found families. Sixteen-year-old Dirt, part of the Mud Fam, is retired from the all-female fighting sport of Bowing. Now, she trains her younger Mud Fam sisters and supports their main fighter, Webba. A victory at the upcoming South God Bow tournament is crucial to helping them gain new recruits, as their dwindling numbers may lead to disbandment, especially with Dirt’s 17th birthday drawing near, after which she will transition into womanhood and be expected to leave her sisters behind for an adult compound. When Webba is injured following a violent attack by rival the Vine Fam, Dirt is forced to fight in her stead. Believing that war with the Gods is imminent, the Vine Fam intends to destroy Dirt’s family to gain all the new recruits for themselves. With the Mud Fam’s lives on the line, Dirt must train her body back into shape and endeavor to eradicate her debilitating self-doubt. Utomi weaves a tender depiction of girlhood and sisterhood via a cast of tenacious and complexly characterized Black girls. Employing abundant pidgin language, dynamic action, and intense interpersonal rifts, Utomi crafts an absorbing, striking debut. Ages 12–up. (Feb.)