Mella and the N'anga: An African Tale - Softcover

Nyoka, Gail

Softcover

ISBN 10: 189454949X ISBN 13: 9781894549493

Publisher: Sumach Press, 2006

Synopsis

Mella must go on a perilous journey--one which her brother failed to complete--in order to help heal her father, the king of what is now Zimbabwe, who is gravely ill.

About this title

About the Author:

Gail Nyoka was born in Trinidad, grew up in England and Wales and now lives in Ontario. Her interests include researching the history and stories of Africa.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-8–This tale is rich in imagery that brings the setting to life. Mella is the daughter of a king in ancient Zimbabwe, when it was known as the Land of the People. Her father is ill and their land is withering along with him. Her brother, a warrior who has become proud and boastful, goes on a quest to fetch the python that the Great N'anga says can cure their father. Unfortunately for her brother, the ability to fight is not all that is needed to succeed on a treacherous journey. With N'anga's help, Mella and two other village girls are trained to reclaim their heritage as Daughters of the Moon. This story is told with a strength and dignity that shines through its characters. Like classic epics where the hero is tested and wisdom prevails, the girls come to trust their inner gifts and learn from the world around them. Complete with the threat of marriage to an awful old man and an auntie who gives classic stepmothers a run for their money, this story will resonate with folk- and fairy-tale readers as well as adventurers, and with girls who are looking for their own sense of purpose by learning to listen to their hearts.–Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sumach Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 189454949X
• ISBN 13: 9781894549493
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160