DAUGHTERS OF ODUMA

Girls battle for their families in this West African–inspired world.

Sixteen-year-old Sis Dirt used to compete in the girls’ martial art of Bowing. Their training builds up to the God Bow tournament, from which come new recruits who become sisters in a Fam. As an elder and the Second sister of the Mud Fam, which only has the bare minimum of five members, Dirt is tasked with coaching younger Bowers in hopes of boosting their Fam’s status and replenishing their ranks. If their numbers drop below five, Mud Fam will be disbanded. When she turns 17, each sister officially becomes a woman: She has her Scarring ceremony, travels to Antie Yaya’s compound, and leaves her Fam forever—and Dirt turns 17 shortly after the next tournament, making victory more crucial. Sis Webba, the First and their star Bower, has a chance of winning it all, but when another competitor injures her with an illegal move, the family’s hopes fall on Dirt, who is next in line but out of practice, out of shape, and lacking the confidence that she can save them. Mud Fam’s underdog status and Dirt’s journey are easy to root for. The immersive worldbuilding paints a picture of a community with a compelling social structure and lore, populated by Black girls who glory in their strength and large size. The fluid dialogue is written in an expressive pidgin.

A vividly realized fantasy world centering strong girls and chosen family.