5 Caribbean and African-inspired children's and YA fantasy books
Ashley Thorpe, author of The Boy to Beat the Gods and the epic new fantasy, Spirit Warriors, shares five fantastic reads for children and teens, inspired by the rich mythologies and folklore of Africa and the Caribbean.
Looking for more fantastic fiction for children and young adults? Check out our list of magical books kids will love, and author Bryony Pearce's recommended Greek myth retellings for younger readers.
"Hey there! I'm Ashley Thorpe, author of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize-shortlisted fantasy adventure, Spirit Warriors. This was my second book, and took inspiration from Caribbean folklore and history, while my first book The Boy to Beat the Gods was inspired by West African mythology. I love, love LOVED writing them both, but I've also really enjoyed seeing how other authors, at both middle grade and young adult, have channelled the amazing lore of African and Caribbean mythologies, and used these tales and characters to create phenomenal stories of their own. It's my absolute delight to share a few of these with you."
Ashley Thorpe, author of Spirit Warriors
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko (12+)
The incredibly immersive first of a fantastic duology, which takes inspiration from West Africa among other places. The depth is in the story as much as in the world-building, with a killer hook, involving the story's protagonist Tarisai, that will have you turning the pages into the early hours. This was Waterstones Children's Book Prize- and YA Prize-nominated for very good reason.
King of Dead Things by Nevin Holness
This is a criminally underappreciated debut, which involves a hidden, supernatural London with all kinds of wicked duppies from Caribbean folklore. With found family, high stakes and seriously creepy atmospherics, King of Dead Things delivers on so many levels and has been one of my favourites this decade so far. Holness really cares about her characters – it shines through in her writing – and I'm certain you'll love the core trio of Malcolm, Eli and Sunny as well.
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste (8+)
A great entry point for readers unfamiliar with creepy Caribbean lore. With The Jumbies, Baptiste delivered a pitch-perfect middle grade adventure with just the right level of darkness and magic. With a contemporary setting and a plucky heroine, this should draw in classic fantasy readers as much as kids who prefer to read stories closer to their own lived experience.
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas (8+)
You'll most likely know Angie Thomas for her award-winning YA books but she also wrote this killer middle grade, the first of a planned trilogy. This is a really fun read, weaving African American lore and characters into a pacy, magic-filled contemporary story kids will love. With some seriously tense moments too, this is a stunning start to a middle grade series.
Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka by Davina Tijani (7+)
A fun series for lower middle grade readers, the Nkara Chronicles series introduces a wider audience to creatures from African mythology across the continent. The titular heroine and her younger brother have several adventures via the Sacred Beast League, but their story begins with this book and the fabled Gambian spirit Ninki Nanka. With illustrations too, this pacy action-packed series is perfect for readers becoming more confident with their independent reading.
Spirit Warriors by Ashley Thorpe
Ancient magic and all-new heroes in a battle between the living and the dead – an epic story of chaos, myth and adventure for fans of Percy Jackson, from the author of The Boy to Beat the Gods.
When her island home is overrun by evil spirits, Evie is saved only by the powerful gemstone her parents entrusted to her. Her best friend Arthur is not so lucky – caught in the magical crossfire, he finds himself in the body of a cat.
On a mission to return him to his body and defeat the ghouls, Evie and Arthur team up with Cai, a trainee shaman, who helps them discover the truth. The terrifying Blackheart Man is plotting to steal the island's four magical gemstones and use their power to destroy the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead. It will take all of Evie's magic, Cai's bravery and Arthur's talent for thievery to stop him.
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