Binti

The Himba are close-knit and don't stray far from home. They certainly don't fly across the universe to attend university on other planets. Which is why Binti had to sneak out before her family woke. She always felt like she didn't belong, so when her skill with math earned her a full scholarship, she accepted it. She knew her decision would make her a pariah, but she didn't know that it would put her life in danger. What should have been a simple trip ended in tragedy and Binti is forever transformed by her contact with an alien species. As Binti continues to change she wonders if she'll ever be able to return home, or if she'll survive long enough to find out.

This is one of the most unique and immersive stories I have ever read. When I was reading, I left behind every scrap of the familiar world that I know. It was easy to love and root for the tenacious, empathic Binti but I did not anticipate growing to care so much for Okwu, a militaristic jellyfish-like creature. The book has so many twists that I completely gave up on trying to predict what would happen and just sat back and enjoyed the ride. It was easy to do with so many varied characters, landscapes, and thought-provoking situations. Strongly recommended for all sci-fi fans.

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Erica's Picks
8th grade
​Tags: character driven, global perspectives, people of color, science fiction.

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