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A review by graypeape
Fibbed by Elizabeth Agyemang
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Nana tells truths that sound like lies to everyone else, and this gets her into a lot of trouble at school and at home. Her parents decide a change of scenery might be good for her, and send her to Ghana for the summer to visit her grandmother and extended family. While there, she gets caught up in a mystery involving the trickster Ananse and something causing local trees, including in the forbidden Sacred Forest, to die. With the help of her cousin and a new friend, she discovers an evil at the center of the Sacred Forest stealing the magic from the land. Will the kids be able to convince everyone that they're telling the truth about what's happening, or will they have to fight it themselves?
There's a lot going on here: a coming-of-age story, the pain of not believed when she's telling the truth, learning to believe in herself, wrapped up in learning about her culture and heritage. This last part is integrated into the story smoothly, without feeling info-dumpy. There's some nice character growth, and not just for Nana. I found the ending satisfying, as well as kinda funny. The story is followed by an author's note with the history of Ananse in Ghanaian culture, and about the three tales covered in the text. An engaging way to learn a bit about Ghana and its culture and folklore!
There's a lot going on here: a coming-of-age story, the pain of not believed when she's telling the truth, learning to believe in herself, wrapped up in learning about her culture and heritage. This last part is integrated into the story smoothly, without feeling info-dumpy. There's some nice character growth, and not just for Nana. I found the ending satisfying, as well as kinda funny. The story is followed by an author's note with the history of Ananse in Ghanaian culture, and about the three tales covered in the text. An engaging way to learn a bit about Ghana and its culture and folklore!