THE GREAT KINGS of AFRICA: Legends Strength and Wisdom

What makes a great king-gold, power, courage, wisdom... or something more? Twelve-year-old Kofi Adeyemi thinks he knows almost nothing about Africa's great rulers-until an ancient Map of Memory begins erasing their names. Guided by Jabari, a tiny bronze lion with a very large personality, Kofi is swept across centuries of African history. He encounters the worlds of Mansa Musa, Sundiata Keita, Askia Muhammad, Oba Ewuare, King Ezana, King Lalibela and Osei Tutu, discovering powerful kingdoms, bustling trade routes, centres of learning, extraordinary architecture, sacred traditions and remarkable works of art. But a mysterious Nameless King and the spreading Mist of Forgetting are waiting. To save the Map, Kofi must uncover seven symbols of leadership: Listening. Knowledge. Unity. Courage. Justice. Legacy. Self-Knowledge. Along the way, he discovers something even more important: Africa's history does not need exaggeration to be extraordinary, great rulers were never perfect, and kingdoms were never built by kings alone. Behind every crown were farmers, scholars, mothers, traders, craftspeople, builders, storytellers, children and countless others whose lives also shaped history. Blending historical adventure, mystery, humour, oral tradition and mythology-inspired fantasy, The Great Kings of Africa invites young readers ages 8-12 to explore Africa's diverse past while learning to question evidence, respect different perspectives and think deeply about what true leadership means. Because you may never wear a crown. But you can still choose what kind of leader you will become. Children of tomorrow, shall I tell you what the crowns remember? Tell it truly, so we understand!