A review by serendipitysbooks
The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

dark emotional reflective sad fast-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

4.75

 The Door of No Return is the story of 11 year old Kofi Offin, an 11 year old boy who lives in the Asante Kingdom in what is now known as Ghana in 1860. It offers a rich picture of his life - family, schooling, farming, food, leisure, friends, traditional stories (especially loved how they were integrated), the impact of Europeans, and relations with nearby villages - one which is loving and happy. When Kofi’s older brother is chosen to compete in a wrestling tournament a tragic death occurs, one that will change Kofi’s life forever. This novel in verse is powerful and I loved that it provides the sometimes neglected African part of the African American story for children. However, the subject matter - torture and suicide occur on the page, rape and murder just off it - means it is probably best suited for the oldest end of the middle grade spectrum and if the young reader is sensitive I’d probably hold off a little longer. 
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